Elementary Music Teacher

About the role

Springfield Public Schools (SPS), an urban school district in Western Massachusetts, is currently accepting applications and scheduling interviews for full-time and part-time music teaching positions at the elementary and middle school levels. SPS students represent a diverse group of cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, bringing their rich perspectives, experiences and insights into the classroom. We celebrate our students' unique abilities and encourage learning with a student-centered approach.

Qualifications

• Highly qualified with required competency in the content area;
• Appropriate content/program area educator license (Music: Vocal/Instrumental/General) and grade level (All) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education;
• Bachelor’s Degree with appropriate license; or Master’s Degree with appropriate content area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years.

Responsibilities

• Mets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at times designated.
• Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students.
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives to the students for all lessons, units and projects.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs of capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Strives by instruction and action to implement the district’s philosophy of education, instructional goals and objectives and performance expectations.
• Affirms the accomplishments of students on a regular basis; provides progress reports as required, and communicates with parents at deemed necessary.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Diagnostics the learning challenges of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Fulfills the SPS code of conduct for the classroom which is consistent with established administrative policies and develops rules of classroom behavior which are enforced in a fair and just manner.
• Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals, and makes written evaluations as required.
• Maintains an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district requirements but also satisfies personal expectations as a professional.
• Takes an active part in the contractually-approved teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement concerning the results of that evaluation.
• Attends building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision making among the staff; said meetings to be held during the extended day.
• Attends established traditional school sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House, programs, activities) agreed upon by the building administrator and the faculty consistent with the teachers’ contract.
• Contributes to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.