SY18-19 Springfield Empowerment Zone Reading/Literacy Intervention Specialist (Secondary)

Grade Level: 9-12

Start Date: Immediate

Location: SEZP

About the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership

In 2015, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Springfield Public Schools partnered to form the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP). SEZP is committed to ensuring that the middle and high schools in "The Zone" are engaging environments where teachers receive the supports they need to grow professionally, and students have the opportunity to acquire the academic and personal skills to succeed in the college or career of their choice.

Each SEZP school has the autonomy to craft and implement its own, unique vision for success and receives support from an ecosystem of national-caliber partners. Furthermore, Teacher Leadership Teams at each school ensure that teacher voice is heard and that there is strong communication between school administration and staff.

Teaching in SEZP

SEZP is seeking educators who are excited to work in a collaborative, engaging, diverse, and high energy environment. We are seeking team players committed to the SEZP mission, high expectations, and their own professional growth.

Summary: The Reading/Literacy Intervention Specialist will provide small group and individualized support for students performing below grade level.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assesses students frequently, examines student assessment data, and refines intervention designs instruction to address individual student needs

Organizes systems/procedures to evaluate student progress to ensure all students are responsive to interventions

Establishes a culture of high expectations and growth mindset for all students

Works closely with Intervention Team members to understand and inform unique student needs

Utilizes research-based intervention and assessment practices (e.g., guided reading, conferring, running records) to support students in explicitly learning fundamental reading strategies pertaining to comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, etc.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; Master's degree preferred

Appropriate content/program area educator license and grade level (9-12) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Desired Skills

In-depth knowledge of literacy development and reading interventions

Knowledge of assessment techniques

Ability to gather and analyze relevant data

Ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, and community

Experience working with students in grades 6-12, particularly those reading two or more years below grade level

A track record of success working with students and proven expertise in middle school English as a Second Language instruction

High expectations for self and others, and a willingness to hold self and others accountable to these expectations

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and strong interpersonal skills

Ability to build strong relationships with students and families

Commitment to professional growth and regularly seeking out opportunities to improve instructional practice

Belief and alignment with SEZP's core beliefs and philosophy, including the belief that each and every child can excel academically

Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage interrelated tasks

Bilingual speaking, reading, and writing abilities (Spanish)

Benefits

SEZP offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience; salaries for new teachers start at $49,000. Teachers in SEZP qualify for benefits (personal/sick days, health insurance, etc.) offered to other teachers in the Springfield Public Schools.

Positions will be filled on a rolling basis; applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please contact sezp@springfieldempowerment.org with any questions.



Primary Location: Empowerment Zone
Salary Range: Based on collective bargaining unit salary schedule
Shift Type: FT - Full Year

Job Contact Information:

Name: Kelley Gangi
Title:
Phone:
Email: kgangi@springfieldempowerment.org