What are the responsibilities and job description for the Exceptional Learning Elementary Autism Teacher position at Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership?
Join the SPS Office of Exceptional Learning and be part of an innovative journey! We are looking for dedicated professionals who are attentive, supportive, and committed to helping individuals with autism reach their full potential. This is a unique opportunity to participate in the inaugural Western Massachusetts Public Day for Autism, where you can innovate, develop your skills, and make a significant impact. Join us to inspire, support, and shape the future of autism care.
As an Exceptional Learning Elementary Autism Teacher, you will provide a highly structured educational environment for students that addresses academic, communication, social, and behavioral needs. Instructional methodologies may include evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Verbal Behavior approaches, structured teaching, social skills instruction, facilitated play, visual supports, and assistive technology. Behavioral supports will be integrated throughout the program using positive behavioral interventions and supports, structured routines, visual schedules, transition supports, and data-driven decision-making. Student progress will be monitored through ongoing data collection, observations, and formal and informal assessments.
Robust training will be provided to all educators and paraeducators. Small student to staff ratio. Support of an Autism Specialist.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
About Our District
Springfield 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 3rd 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 Educators
In 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.
If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at molina-figueroac@springfieldpublicschools.com.
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 STATEMENT
The 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 NONDISCRIMINATION
Springfield 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.
Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.
The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com.
Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination
To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com
As an Exceptional Learning Elementary Autism Teacher, you will provide a highly structured educational environment for students that addresses academic, communication, social, and behavioral needs. Instructional methodologies may include evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Verbal Behavior approaches, structured teaching, social skills instruction, facilitated play, visual supports, and assistive technology. Behavioral supports will be integrated throughout the program using positive behavioral interventions and supports, structured routines, visual schedules, transition supports, and data-driven decision-making. Student progress will be monitored through ongoing data collection, observations, and formal and informal assessments.
Robust training will be provided to all educators and paraeducators. Small student to staff ratio. Support of an Autism Specialist.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Develop instructional programs that address the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students whenever possible.
- Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to students' maturity and interests.
- Prepares for assigned classes and provides written evidence of preparation upon request, as required by the teachers’ contract.
- Regularly assesses student achievement, provides required progress reports, and communicates with parents as necessary.
- Maintains accurate, complete, and compliant records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
- Regularly identifies student learning challenges and seek assistance from district specialists when necessary.
- Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to safeguard students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Adheres to the SPS classroom code of conduct, aligns with administrative policies, and enforces classroom behavior rules fairly and consistently.
- Plans and supervises paraeducator assignments and completes written evaluations as required.
- Engages in ongoing professional development to meet district requirements and personal professional goals.
- Participates actively in the contractually approved teacher evaluation process and contributes to mutual agreement on evaluation outcomes.
- Attends building and district meetings to promote staff communication and collaborative decision-making, as scheduled during the extended day.
- Attends established school-sponsored activities, such as Back to School Night and Open House, as agreed upon by the building administrator and faculty in accordance with the teachers’ contract.
- Contributes to district and building decisions regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and staff well-being.
- Strives to maintain and enhance professional competence.
- Highly qualified with required competency in the content area; and
- Appropriate content and grade level licensure Teacher of Severe or Moderate Disability (PreK-2) (PreK-8) from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; and
- Bachelor’s Degree with appropriate license; or
- Master’s Degree with appropriate content area license at high school level preferred and expected within 5 years.
About Our District
Springfield 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 3rd 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 Educators
In 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.
If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at molina-figueroac@springfieldpublicschools.com.
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 STATEMENT
The 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 NONDISCRIMINATION
Springfield 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.
Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.
The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com.
Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination
To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com