Anticipated Openings 25-26 Behavior Specialist

About the Role

Works under the direction of the Bureau of Pupil Services in collaboration with special education supervisors to provide technical assistance and coaching in effective behavior management techniques, including school and district implementation of PBIS.

Responsibilities

• Designs and helps implement programs to promote pro-social behavior based on systematic analysis of variables that cause and maintain behavior.
• Consults with staff to modify instructional programs using frequent systematic evaluation of direct observational data.
• Develops and implements intervention strategies and activities to assist teachers in executing behavioral plans.
• Assists in the development of social/emotional/behavioral curriculum for students in special education classes, compliant with Massachusetts Common Core Curriculum requirements.
• Serves 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, or Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA)) in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• 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.

About Our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts committed to providing a learning environment that opens doors of infinite possibilities for our students and staff. We serve approximately 24,000 students and foster a positive, professional environment where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen, and heard. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by students and staff.

We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts and are committed to equity and excellence. We empower educators through competitive salaries, benefits, and numerous professional development opportunities shaped by data to ensure relevance and actionability. Support includes mentorship from instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches for lesson planning, data analysis, and management.

Our district offers career advancement opportunities and invests in "Grow Our Own" and educational pipeline programs to help staff achieve college degrees or certification pathways.