Overview of Summer Empowerment Academy

SEZP's mission to dramatically improve educational opportunity for Springfield students is marked by our Empowerment Academy programming. Empowerment Academies are an initiative to extend targeted, small-group literacy support to middle and high school students throughout the summer. This extended learning time was shown to be an effective support for improvement of student performance through a randomized trial study completed in 2016.

During Summer Empowerment Academy, a select number of students across SEZP will work to improve literacy skills in small groups of 10 - 12 led by Massachusetts' best educators. The small group size and high-quality instruction will allow students to receive academic support tailored to their specific needs. It will also enable teachers to more effectively build strong relationships with students and accelerate student growth. Students will be selected based on academic need, attendance, and conduct.

Summer Empowerment Academy teachers will be selected from a highly competitive group of educators across Western Massachusetts. All Massachusetts educators with certification are encouraged to apply, although preference will be given to Springfield Public Schools teachers.

Encore Teacher - Empowerment Academy Overview

The Summer Empowerment Academy needs strong teachers to create a four-week-long vision for enrichment opportunities that get students up and moving, interacting with peers, exploring their creativity, and excited for academy attendance. Throughout the academy, it will be the responsibility of the Encore Teachers to design and implement a variety of experiences that increase student motivation and ensure engagement for all. This role requires teachers to design enrichment experiences that integrate well in the schedule for the academy weeks. As an academy teacher, you are encouraged to try new approaches to strengthen student engagement and participation.

Encore Teacher Responsibilities

With support and general guidance from SEZP, teachers are expected to:

Design, facilitate, and monitor student experiences

Adjust experiences according to daily student response

Teach approximately 5 hours per day each day of the academy

Try new strategies and methods to drive engagement

Planning and Preparation

Complete any necessary prep and planning work

Support & regularly communicate with your academy coordinators leading up to and during the weeks of programming

Implement strategies for building a positive, high-quality Summer Empowerment Academy culture

Operations & Logistics

Attend each Summer Empowerment Academy day

Create a plan for each Summer Empowerment Academy day of enrichment

Participate in raffle and gift card distribution as directed by academy leaders

Manage any and all other tasks necessary for operational excellence as outlined by the academy leaders

Encore Teacher Requirements

Proficiency teaching or leading experiences that provide physical, artistic, or other kinesthetic opportunities for learning and engagement (e.g., physical education teacher experience, arts and crafts experience)

Track record of creativity in developing/implementing highly engaging experiences for students

Confidence as a problem solver who works to overcome challenges

Dedicated to the belief that all students can achieve at high levels

Demonstrated success in building relationships with students

Benefits

Selection as a Summer Empowerment Academy teacher recognizes an individual for his/her outstanding instruction, leadership in the classroom, and commitment to urban education. In addition, teachers will receive:

$8,000 stipend*

High-quality professional development and onsite coaching support

*Note: Paraprofessionals hired as teachers for Summer Empowerment Academy will earn a stipend at the rate of pay outlined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement

Encore Teacher Academy Schedule

Encore Teachers will be on site daily, Monday-Friday, in the academy from July 8, 2019 - August 2, 2019 for approximately 5 hours each day in accordance with systems outlined by Summer Empowerment Academy leaders. Daily schedule details will be provided during staff orientation.

Application Process

The application is now open, and will close on Friday, March 29, 2019. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

You will need to submit the following materials with your application:

Resume

Cover letter describing why you want to teach for the Empowerment Academy and what you hope to accomplish in this role

One reference from a supervisor (principal reference strongly preferred)



Primary Location: Empowerment Zone
Salary Range: $8,000.00 / Per Year
Shift Type: Additional Pay

Job Contact Information:

Name: Kelley Gangi
Title: Chief of Instructional Improvement
Phone:
Email: sezp@springfieldempowerment.org