Middle School Special Education Teacher

Duties

• Meets 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, interests, 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, establishing and communicating clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects.
• Prepares for assigned classes and provides written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor as required by the teacher’s contract.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location and the needs of the students or student groups.
• Strives by instruction and action to implement the district’s philosophy of education, instructional goals and performance expectations.
• Assesses the accomplishments of students regularly; provides progress reports as required and communicates with parents when deemed necessary.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Diagnoses learning challenges of students regularly and seeks assistance from district specialists as required.
• Takes all necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Follows the SPS code of conduct for the classroom, consistent with established administrative policies, and develops rules of behavior that are enforced fairly.
• Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals and makes written evaluations as required.
• Maintains an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district requirements and personal professional expectations.
• Takes an active part in the contractually approved teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement on the results.
• Attends building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision‑making among staff; these meetings are held during the extended day.
• Attend traditional school‑sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House) as agreed upon by the building administrator and faculty.
• Contributes to decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and staff well‑being.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.

• Highly qualified with the required competency in the content area.
• Appropriate content/ program area educator license (Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities) and grade‑level (5‑12) 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.

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. The district also prohibits retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination or participate in an equal‑opportunity investigation.

The school’s policies prohibit sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in all programs and activities, in compliance with Title IX and its regulations.