Elementary Science Teacher

About Our 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 amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. As the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts, we have 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 students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are committed to equity and excellence.

We empower educators by offering competitive salaries and benefits, along with numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities shaped by data to ensure relevance and actionability. Teaching staff receive support from mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis, and management. Career advancement opportunities and "Grow our Own" educational pipeline programs help staff achieve college degrees or certification pathways.

Responsibilities

• Meets and instructs assigned classes in designated locations and at scheduled times.
• Plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
• Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals and communicates clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects.
• Prepares for assigned classes and provides written evidence of preparation upon request of the immediate supervisor.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and media consistent with the physical limitations of the location and the needs of students or student groups.
• Implements the district’s philosophy of education, instructional goals, objectives, and performance expectations through instruction and action.
• Assesses student accomplishments regularly, provides progress reports as required, and communicates with parents as necessary.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Diagnoses student learning challenges regularly and seeks assistance from district specialists as needed.
• Takes necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Follows the district’s code of conduct for the classroom, develops fair rules of behavior, and enforces them consistently.
• Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals and provides written evaluations as required.
• Maintains an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies both district requirements and personal expectations.
• Participates in the contractually-approved teacher evaluation process and contributes to mutual agreement on evaluation results.
• Attends building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision-making, including those held during extended days.
• Attends traditional school-sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House, programs) as agreed upon by building administrators and faculty.
• Contributes to district and building decisions regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and staff well-being.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.

Qualifications

• Highly qualified with required competency in the content area.
• Appropriate content/program area educator license (General Science) and grade level (1-6) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Bachelor’s Degree with appropriate license; Master’s Degree with appropriate content area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years.