Anticipated Openings 25-26 Behavior Specialist

About the District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our students and staff. We serve approximately 24,000 students and are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district embraces diversity with over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen, and heard. Our commitment to equity and excellence ensures that students and staff share ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other.

We empower educators through competitive salaries and benefits, cutting-edge professional development opportunities, and robust support systems. Our professional development is data-driven, relevant, and actionable. Teaching staff receive mentorship from instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches throughout the year in areas such as lesson planning, data analysis, and management. We offer career advancement opportunities and invest in "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs to help staff achieve college degrees or certification pathways.

Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of the Bureau of Pupil Services in collaboration with special education supervisors.
• Provide technical assistance and coaching in effective behavior management techniques, including school and district implementation of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports).
• Design and help implement programs to promote pro-social behavior based on systematic analysis of variables that cause and maintain behavior.
• Consult with staff to modify instructional programs based on frequent systematic evaluation of direct observational data.
• Develop and implement intervention strategies and activities to assist teachers in implementing behavioral plans.
• Assist in the development of social/emotional/behavioral curriculum for students in special education classes, compliant with Massachusetts Common Core Curriculum requirements.
• Serve as an internal coach, providing support and consultation to students with challenging behaviors in general and special education classrooms.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Appropriate content/program area educator license (Teacher of Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Guidance and School Adjustment Counselor) in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA).
• Familiarization with PBIS preferred.
• Experience and/or training in providing social-emotional-behavioral support for students with social-emotional challenges and mental health issues.
• Successful teaching experience in special education and/or early childhood preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in a pre-K to 12 school setting, with at least 3 years in an urban setting.
• Familiarity with 603 CMR regulations and policies.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Goal-oriented and data-driven with a focus on problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others.