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 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, the district is the recipient of a number of significant grants that allow Secondary School redesign, 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 Southbridge Public Schools can be found here.

 

Southbridge Academy:

 

Southbridge Academy is a therapeutic school, in the Southbridge Public School system, serving students in grades 6-12 who have significant social/emotional and educational challenges. Our mission is to provide positive and meaningful pathways towards academic engagement with a goal of maintaining a safe, respectful and caring learning community. Utilizing a relationship-based approach, we connect with members of each students’ team including family members and the community. This allows us to gain insight into barriers that limit student success. We work together to develop interventions and break through these barriers.

 

Here’s what Southbridge Academy staff say about working here:

 

- “Working at SA requires a lot of patience and willingness to meet students where they're at. It can also be tough, but it's so worth it to be able to see students grow and move toward their goals.”

 

- “I couldn't recommend it enough! It is a great, supportive environment that brings something different and exciting every day without feeling chaotic.”

 

- “The team environment is wonderful. I see so much positivity and daily encouragement among staff and students. It is gratifying to see the relationships that have been formed between students and staff. I especially like how students are greeted by name as they arrive to school. Not only does this give the students a positive note to start the day, but staff members get to observe how their day might have already started. Many times, brief conversations may occur to follow up on later in the day. It is truly a caring atmosphere; the entire building feels like a family.”

 

- “You'll love the kids and work atmosphere.”

 

- “It's challenging but fun, a really tight-knit community, and a comfortable place to work. Great communication and great feedback as a staff member!”

 

- "We have a very close community here. Everyone has everyone's back and we make sure the students are always the priority. If you want to be at a school where you feel you can make a difference in kids’ lives, SA is the place to do that."

 

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 Middle School philosophy and structure of middle 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.

 

QUALIFICATIONS-REQUIRED:

• Education:  Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution;
• Hold a valid Massachusetts Teacher License in students with moderate disabilities (9-12) OR teacher of students with severe disabilities ALL LEVELS
• Hold a valid Massachusetts SEI Endorsement OR Grade-level appropriate ESL License;
• Meet all state and federal guidelines in order to be fully licensed and Highly Qualified;
• 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. Additional certification in Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities and/or English Language Learners (ESL);
4. Demonstrated experience in English Language Development (ELD) and Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) strategies strongly preferred;
5. 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.