Springfield Public Schools seeks a Spanish Dual Language teacher at Gerena Community School who is committed to and passionate about developing bilingualism and biliteracy, building socio-cultural competence, and transforming and improving educational outcomes for all students. 

Program Information:

The dual language program is anticipated to open in September 2023 at Gerena Community School. The educators in the program will have the unique experience of participating in the planning and program design, helping to build the foundation of dual language in the Springfield Public Schools for years to come.

The program will implement a 50/50 language model; students will learn 50% of the day in English and 50% of the day in Spanish. Teachers will also integrate cultural traditions, customs, and history from around the Spanish-speaking world in developmentally appropriate ways.

SPS is committed to supporting educators with the appropriate professional development, curriculum, resources, and strategy implementation for dual language programming, on an ongoing basis.  We continue to strive for the success of all students by focusing on the district's core values of collaborative relationships, high expectations, inclusiveness, inspiring life-long learning, and shared responsibility.

SPS Dual Language Motivation Statement:
“Springfield Public Schools will implement a research-based educational model with the goal to close the achievement/opportunity gap as students learn grade level academic content in two languages becoming biliterate, bilingual, and multicultural. This program will provide students with the opportunity to engage in academically rigorous content in two languages and increase awareness of students’ own culture and appreciation for culture(s) of others.  SPS will welcome all families into a community of learners that promotes academic success while valuing diversity and inclusion.”

Qualifications*:

•  A valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) license; Early Childhood PK-2 or Elementary 1-6
• High levels of academic proficiency and literacy in both program languages (Spanish and English), with a passing score on one of the following current DESE-approved assessments: Spanish MTEL, or Oral Proficiency Interview and Writing Proficiency Test through ACTFL
• Hold or commit to pursuing a DESE Bilingual Education Endorsement
• SEI Endorsement as approved by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (preferred)
• Participate in district and school-based dual language professional development
• Understanding of and a strong commitment to the philosophy of dual language learning and teaching
• Strong organizational skills, time-management, and communication skills
• Demonstrates a high level of cooperation to work with grade-level and dual-language teams
• Fulfillment of Springfield Public Schools district requirements

*Due to the new licensure requirements for teachers in Massachusetts bilingual education programs, applicants who do not currently have all necessary licensure/endorsements are still encouraged to apply. The Springfield Public Schools and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will support selected teachers through the waiver process. If hired, teachers are expected to work towards meeting all licensure requirements.

 Performance Responsibilities:

• Teach in a 50/50 model program, including Spanish language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science, using district curriculum maps and curricular resources, reflecting a deep understanding of state curriculum frameworks
• Create a positive, language-rich, asset-based, multicultural learning environment that is conducive to the learning and success of all students and language proficiencies
• Administer language and literacy assessments in Spanish, analyze student data to inform planning, develop targeted instruction, and make instructional decisions
• Participate and collaborate in building-based and department staff meetings
• Work as a vested member of the dual language team on issues specifically related to dual language, philosophy, programs, and approaches.
• Thoughtfully plan lessons with grade-level partner and implement specific strategies to meet the needs of all students while fostering cultural understanding, developing students’ social growth, and focusing on language acquisition
• Duties related to dual language teaching and learning and district goals for growing dual language programming.

Reach out to Valerie Williams, the Senior Administrator of Talent and Diversity Development at williamsv@springfieldpublicschools.com.  She will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Nondiscrimination 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, ancestry, age, disability or military service or marital status. The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in admission to, access or treatment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment.  Springfield Public Schools is required by Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 not to discrimination on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment.  The Senior Administrator of Human Resources, Kathleen O’Sullivan, Springfield Public Schools, 1550 Main St. Springfield MA, 01103, 413-787-7100,  ext. 55428, has been designated as the employee responsible for coordinating Springfield Public Schools efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX.  Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 to Springfield Public Schools may be referred to Kathleen O’Sullivan or to U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, DC 20202-1100, telephone 800-421-3481.