Elementary Life Skills Teacher

Job TitleDUTIES:1. Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at times designated.2. Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students.3. Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.4. 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.5. Prepares for classes assigned, and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor as required by the teachers' contract.6. 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.7. Strives by instruction and action to implement the district's philosophy of education, instructional goals and objectives and performance expectations.8. Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis; provides progress reports as required, and communicates with parents at deemed necessary.9. Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.10. Diagnoses the learning challenges of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required.11. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.12. Follows the SPS a 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.13. Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals, and makes written evaluations as required.14. Maintains an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district requirements but also satisfies personal expectations as a professional.15. Takes an active part in the contractually-approved teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement concerning the results of that evaluation.16. Attends building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision making among the staff; said meetings to be held during the extended day.17. Attend 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.18. Contribute to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.19. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.QUALIFICATIONS:1. Highly qualified with required competency in the content area; and2. Appropriate content/ program area educator license (Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities) and grade level (PreK-8) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; and3. Bachelor's Degree with appropriate license; or4. Master's Degree with appropriate content area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years."If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!"About Our DistrictSpringfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is 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. We are the third largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites 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 a district that is committed to equity and excellence.Join a Team that Empowers EducatorsIn addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENTThe Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATIONSpringfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.