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.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Responsible for remaining up to date regarding curriculum content.
2. Responsible for effective planning and assessment of curriculum and instruction.
3. Responsible for mentoring students’ understanding of the curriculum effectively and adjusting instruction, materials, or assessments, when appropriate.
4. Responsible for effective management of classroom environment.
5. Responsible for effective instruction, which includes making learning goals clear to the students, using appropriate instructional and questioning techniques.
6. Responsible for using innovative approaches, and instructional strategies, including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to learn.
7. Responsible for the promotion of high standards and expectations for student achievement.
8. Responsible for the promotion of equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and\or second language learners.
9. Performance of other job-related duties as assigned.
10. Collaborate with SPED and ELL specialists to meet the specific needs of particular students.
11. Prepare students for MCAS.
12. Understanding of High School philosophy and structure of High School teams.
13. Maintain data and documentation, as appropriate.
14. Participate in school-wide professional development and seek continual feedback and coaching to develop as a teacher 
15. Responsible for assuring equal educational opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, marital status, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, homelessness, or disability
15. Any other assigned duties by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.

Dual Language is a form of bilingual education in which students receive instruction in two languages.  The Dual Language program in Southbridge Public Schools integrates English dominant students with Spanish dominant students to develop bilingual and biliterate learners.  Students in this model receive instruction in both English and Spanish, and a bilingual, biliterate and bicultural environment is supported and encouraged.  Core academic curriculum is aligned to MA Curriculum Frameworks and the Common Core standards, whether the instruction is provided in English or Spanish.  

The Spanish Dual Language Teacher at Southbridge Middle School will teach a cohort of 6th grade students who have been participating in the Dual Language program since elementary school.  This teacher will be responsible for teaching a 6th grade Spanish Language Arts class in Spanish, using a curriculum aligned to MA Curriculum Frameworks and the Common Core standards for Language Arts, with an imbedded secondary objective of improving students' mastery of grammar and conventions of written Spanish.  This teacher will also be responsible for teaching a 6th grade Social Studies class in Spanish, using a curriculum aligned to MA Curriculum Frameworks for Social Studies but with all materials in Spanish.  In addition, the Dual Language Teacher may also teach one or more Spanish World Language class(es) to students in other grades.

It is preferred that candidates for this position will have either a Dual Language certification or a Spanish Grades 5-9 certification, although candidates with other certifications may be considered if they have relevant teaching skills/experience and are fluent and fully literate in both Spanish and English.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED:

1. Education:  Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution;
2. Hold a valid Massachusetts Teaching License in Spanish 5-9, or other appropriate grade-level MA Teaching License.
3. Hold a valid Massachusetts SEI Endorsement OR Grade-level appropriate ESL License;
4. Meet all state and federal guidelines in order to be fully licensed and Highly Qualified;
5. Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.

QUALIFICATIONS__PREFERRED:

1. Experience in urban, high-poverty, and/or turnaround schools;
2. Major/minor in specific teaching content area;
3. Experience teaching Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes;
4. Additional certification in Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities and/or English Language Learners (ESL);
5. Demonstrated experience in English Language Development (ELD) and Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) strategies strongly preferred;
6. Bilingual language proficiency (Spanish/English) 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.