SYSEZP Behavior Specialist

SY26-27 SEZP Behavior Specialist

Location:

SEZP-Wide

Grade Level: 6-8

Full Time

Start Date:

August 2026 (exact start date TBD)

Base Salary:
Up to $96,864.45 and commensurate with experience

Essential Responsibilities

• Works under the direction of the SEZP Chief of Student Support and Services in collaboration with the Senior Administrators of Special Education
• Provides technical assistance and coaching in the area of effective behavior management techniques including school and SEZP implementation of Culturally Responsive SEL and Trauma Informed Practices
• Designs and helps to implement programs to promote prosocial behavior based on systematic analysis of the variables that cause and maintain behavior
• Consults with staff to modify instructional programs based on frequent systematic evaluation of direct observational data
• Develops and implements intervention strategies and activities to assist teachers in implementing behavioral plans
• Assists in the development of social/emotional/behavioral curriculum to be used with students in special education classes in compliance with the requirements of Massachusetts Common Core Curriculum
• Works as an internal coach providing support and consultation to students with challenging behaviors in the general and Special Education classrooms

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required;
  Master's degree preferred
• Appropriate content/ program area educator license (e.g., Teacher of Students with Moderate/ Severe Disabilities, Guidance or School Adjustment counselor, School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavioral Analyst [BCBA]) in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Candidates may be eligible for a license waiver through MA DESE.
• Familiarization with trauma informed practices/ restorative practices preferred
• Experience and/or training in providing social-emotional-behavioral support for students with social-emotional challenges and mental health issues
• Successful teaching experience in special education and/or early childhood preferred
• At least 5 years experience in pre-K to 12 school setting, at least 3 years of which should be in an urban setting
• Familiar with 603 CMR regulations and policies
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Goal oriented and data driven with a focus on problem solving
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others

If you meet many—but not all—of the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply. SEZP values educators who are reflective, collaborative, and committed to continuous growth.

We encourage you to reach out to us at info if you have questions about the role or your qualifications. We are happy to help you feel ready to apply!

Benefits

Selection as an educator in SEZP recognizes an individual for their outstanding vision, capacity, and commitment to students. Educators in SEZP are eligible for the same competitive benefits available to Educators in the Springfield Public Schools.

Educators joining SEZP may also be eligible for the following recruitment incentives, which may be offered individually:

• Signing bonus in addition to base salary
• Relocation award for candidates from regions beyond western Massachusetts

About the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership

While Massachusetts is consistently ranked as one of the top states for education results in the country, we have one of the highest and most persistent opportunity gaps. The Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP) - established in 2015 as a collaboration between Springfield Public Schools (SPS), the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and the Springfield Education Association (SEA) – seeks to improve the longitudinal life outcomes of the more than 2,500 students in our 8 middle schools.

SEZP combines district-based public education with the flexibility of autonomous school models, granting schools meaningful control over curriculum, staffing, scheduling, and budgeting—while maintaining clear accountability for student learning and growth.

Across all of its work—including school improvement and educator preparation—SEZP is guided by three core values:

• Access:
  Expanding access to strong learning environments, skilled mentors, and clear pathways for students and educators
• Belonging:
  Building communities where people are known, supported, and accountable to one another
• Opportunity:
  Preparing students and educators to learn, lead, and thrive over time