Job Description

SY26-27 Discovery High School Special Education Teacher

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

Role Overview

Educators in the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership are responsible for ensuring that students have access to strong instruction, experience a deep sense of belonging in school, and are prepared for meaningful academic and life opportunities.

SEZP educators serve as instructors, mentors, and collaborators. They contribute to school communities that value strong relationships, clear expectations, and continuous improvement—for students and for adults.

Core Responsibilities

Access to High-Quality Learning

• Deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction using research-based curriculum and effective instructional strategies
• Ensure all students can access grade-level content through thoughtful lesson design, scaffolding, and embedded supports
• Use student data and formative assessment to adjust instruction and promote academic growth

Belonging and School Community

• Build strong, trusting relationships with students grounded in consistency, respect, and high expectations
• Contribute positively to a school culture where students feel known, supported, and accountable
• Collaborate closely with colleagues, including participation in co-teaching teams and professional learning communities
• Engage families as partners through regular communication and shared problem-solving

Opportunity and Growth

• Support students in developing the skills, habits, and confidence needed for success in high school and beyond
• Participate actively in professional learning, coaching, and feedback cycles
• Contribute to the development of future educators by modeling strong practice, hosting residents or student teachers when applicable, and supporting a culture of adult learning

Additional Responsibilities

• Uphold school-wide expectations related to curriculum, assessment, and professional conduct
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal

Qualifications

• Experience teaching at the middle or high school level
• Valid Massachusetts Deparment of Elementary and Secondary Education license in the appropriate subject and grade level (Moderate Disabilities) required. Candidates not yet licensed may be eligible for a licensure waiver and are encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated ability to support a range of learners through strong instruction and relationship-building
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required

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@sezp.org 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

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 or both.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Katie O’Sullivan, Senior Administrator of Human Resources, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55428, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com.

Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website,

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

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