Elementary School Visual Arts Teacher

About the Role

Springfield Public Schools (SPS) is seeking full-time and part-time visual art teachers for elementary and middle school levels. Our diverse student body brings rich cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic perspectives to the classroom. We embrace a student-centered approach to learning and celebrate the unique abilities of each student.

Responsibilities

• Instruct assigned classes at designated locations and times.
• Plan a program of study tailored to the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning, appropriate to student maturity and interests.
• Guide the learning process toward district curriculum goals, establishing clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects.
• Prepare for classes and provide written evidence of preparation upon request.
• Use a variety of instructional techniques and media, aligned with student needs and physical limitations of the location.
• Implement the district’s philosophy of education, instructional goals, and performance expectations through instruction and action.
• Assess student accomplishments regularly, provide progress reports, and communicate with parents as needed.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Diagnose student learning challenges and seek assistance from district specialists when necessary.
• Take necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Follow the SPS code of conduct and develop fair classroom behavior rules.
• Plan and supervise assignments for paraprofessionals and provide written evaluations as required.
• Maintain an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district and personal expectations.
• Participate in the teacher evaluation process and contribute to mutual agreement on evaluation results.
• Attend building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision-making.
• Participate in school-sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House) as agreed upon with building administrators.
• Contribute to district and building decisions regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and staff well-being.
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence.

Requirements

• Appropriate content/program area educator license (Visual Art) and grade level (PreK-8) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Bachelor’s Degree with appropriate license; Master’s Degree with content area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years.
• Strong visual art content knowledge, passion for teaching, excellent interpersonal skills, and solid classroom management abilities.

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 approximately 24,000 students. As the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts, we celebrate diversity with over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment where everyone feels valued, respected, supported, seen, and heard. Our district is committed to equity and excellence, encouraging staff and students to share ideas and perspectives.

We empower educators through competitive salaries and benefits, cutting-edge professional development, and mentorship programs. Our instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches support staff in 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 degrees or certifications.

For specific questions about the position or assistance matching your skills, contact Carmen Molina-Figueroa at molina-figueroac@springfieldpublicschools.com.