Elementary Reading Specialist

INTERESTED CANDIDATES MAY APPLY HERE (LINK)

Background on Southbridge Public Schools:

Southbridge Public Schools serve approximately 2,200 students in six schools. The district is presently undergoing extensive turnaround at all levels, with the assistance of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This creates unique opportunities for teachers and students. One example is a recently announced, long-term partnership with the University of Connecticut to develop Southbridge Schools to be a national demonstration site for successful implementation of PBIS strategies. Additionally, our district is the recipient of a number of significant grants that are allowing us to creatively redesign Secondary School, curriculum enhancements, improved culture and climate and afterschool opportunities for students. If you feel strongly about improving the educational experience for students and have a commitment to social justice, Southbridge Public Schools welcomes you.

More information about the district’s turnaround efforts can be found here.

Early Childhood Reading Teacher:

Primary purpose: The Elementary Reading Teacher will provide literacy instruction and support in a flexible elementary grade program. Teaches foundational literacy skills as outlined in the district literacy plan. Fosters an environment favorable to teaching and learning; to establish effective rapport with students; to motivate students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for elementary grade education in accordance with each student’s ability; to establish good relationships with parents and other staff members.

Responsibilities:

Duties of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Teaches reading, language arts, using an integrated approach with social studies, mathematics, science according to Massachusetts Curriculum Standards. Specializes in Literacy and Language Arts.
  B. Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student
  C. 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.
  D. Uses a variety of instruction strategies, such as inquiry, group discussion, lecture, discovery, etc
  E. Follows PBIS, a code of conduct for the classroom which is consistent with established administrative policies and develops rules of classroom behavior that are enforced in a fair and just manner
  F. Evaluates students’ academic and social growth; Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
  G. Communicates with parents through conferences and other means to discuss
  students’ progress and interpret the school program
  H. Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students
  I. Creates an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive
  displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers
  J. Maintains professional competence through in-service Professional Development activities
  K. Participates cooperatively with the appropriate administrator in fulfilling teacher evaluation procedures
  L. Supervises students in hallways, recess areas, and lunchroom during the school day
  M. Administers group standardized tests in accordance with state testing program
  N. Attend established traditional school-sponsored activities (e.g., Open House) agreed upon by the building administrator and the faculty consistent with the teachers’ contract.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED:

• M. Ed. in reading, education, special education, or related field.
• Three to five years prior K-5 teaching experience preference for reading teacher and/or classroom teacher.
• Valid MA licensure in reading or related elementary education
• Experience and skill as a coach or mentor for teachers on literacy-related topics.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Deep understanding of scientifically based reading research and evidence-based practices for teaching K- 5 literacy, assessment of student growth, change process, and adult learning.
• Ability to work independently

QUALIFICATIONS__PREFERRED:

• Experience in urban, high-poverty, and/or turnaround schools;
• Major/minor in specific teaching content area;
• Additional certification in Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities and/or English Language Learners (ESL);
• Demonstrated experience in English Language Development (ELD) and Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) strategies strongly preferred;
• Bilingual language proficiency (Spanish/English) is strongly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southbridge Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, disability, religion, age, or sexual orientation.