The Natick Public Schools Seek A

LTS English Teacher, grade 7, Kennedy Middle School

 

Approximate Dates:  1/27/25 - 5/2/25

 

 

We invite you to explore a career with Natick Public Schools. 

 

The Natick Public Schools educate approximately 5,300 students from Pre-K through age 22. We are an innovative, supportive, and high-performing district whose outstanding staff provides high quality services for our diverse students and their families from Natick and Boston. Natick Public Schools is a community dedicated to all students achieving high standards in a safe, trusting, respectful environment where learning is exciting, dynamic, and engaging, and where connectedness and belonging are valued and actively cultivated. We are home to families that speak almost 60 different languages and our student population is approximately 29% Students of Color and 71% White students. With a graduation rate of 97% and 90% of our students attending post-secondary schools, we are proud of our commitment to excellence in educating students to be informed and successful citizens of a global world. 

 

We enthusiastically welcome educators to our district who seek and thrive in a diverse environment that focuses on the whole child in a strengths-based approach. Please partner with us in our mission to support the diversity of our school community, promote and deliver equitable practices for all of our staff, students, and families, and create meaningful connections that enable everyone to feel included and thrive.

 

Job Title	LTS English Teacher	Location	Kennedy Middle School
Reports To	Principal, Student Services	Work days/FTE	1/27/25 - 5/2/25 / 1.0 FTE
Salary/Benefits	Salary and benefits per the non rep schedule	Benefits Eligible?	Yes
JOB GOAL: Profile of a Natick Educator
We believe that all children are capable of attaining high levels of educational achievement in preparation for productive, rewarding lives and responsible citizenship. As a middle school ELE teacher, the goal is to educate all students to the vision of high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic and linguistic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Masters preferred

Professional Certification:  

• MA DESE 5-8 certification in applicable field
• MA DESE SEI endorsement 

Specialized Knowledge:  

• A strong foundation in student-centered pedagogy
• Knowledge about Middle School philosophy and the developmental needs of adolescents
• Thorough understanding of theories and teaching methodologies along with a sophisticated understanding of the academic, social, and emotional needs of middle school students
• Working knowledge the Massachusetts Standards-Based curriculum
• Working knowledge of the principles of UDL
• Working knowledge of SEL instruction and supports
• Ability to identify both formal and informal assessments that measure students skills
• Ability to differentiate instruction and assess learning using a variety of methods
• Ability to evaluate/analyze formal and informal data in order to provide recommendations based on data
• Knowledge of best practices in teaching to individuals and small groups with a highly systematic approach
• Thorough understanding of and commitment to the principles and practices of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice as they relate to student  engagement and opportunity

Preferred Experience: 

• Experience teaching in a diverse public school preferred
• Experience working with students with disabilities/special abilities preferred
• Experience working with students who are English language learners preferred
• Experience with Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Classroom, etc.) and PowerSchool preferred, but will train the right candidate

Skills

• Demonstrated aptitude for work to be performed
• Bilingual skills, especially in Spanish and Portuguese, are highly desirable
• Candidates should have a passion for working with students, families, and colleagues
• Candidates must be flexible and collaborative
• Must have well-established verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to share information and resources as appropriate, including strong written communication skills.
• Candidates must be able to multitask in a fast-paced, supportive environment that nurtures student growth
• Candidates must be organized and able to meet ongoing, time-sensitive deadlines for work production

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and in conformity with state certification requirements.

 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

• Phone, intercom, personal computer and software applications as outlined above, scanner, copy machine, calculator, camera, printers and fax machine.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (not limited to)

 

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

• Demonstrates appropriate long and short-term preparation for classroom instruction
• Holds high expectations for all students and serves as a facilitator of student learning
• Organizes and uses a variety of teaching techniques, strategies, materials, and technology to maximize the learning of each child, individually and in group settings
• Assesses student progress, provides students and parents with specific feedback, and uses the results to adjust instruction as needed
• Provides opportunities for academic support and challenge
• Takes responsibility for teaching the district learning expectations as outlined in the curriculum documents
• Demonstrates an understanding of how knowledge in the subject areas is created, organized, and linked to other disciplines and life experiences
• Keeps abreast of current developments in the field and continues to deepen understanding of the discipline(s)
• Establishes and maintains a functional, attractive, orderly, and safe classroom environment that is conducive to student learning and builds a sense of community
• Practice culturally responsive communication with students, families, and colleagues.
• Collaborate with Special Educators, ELE Educators, Literacy and Math Specialists, and Instructional Leaders to ensure students needs are being met.
• Must be committed to the vision of high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic and linguistic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap.

Any other relative duties as assigned.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: 

• move about the classroom, school, school grounds, office, and/or off-site locations. 
• On some occasions, it may be necessary to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces; 
• remain in a stationary position for periods of time; 
• operate a computer and other school/office productivity machinery (i.e., iPad, copy machine, computer printer, assistive technology, etc.); 
• read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids; 
• position oneself to maintain files and access school/classroom/office materials;
• communicate with others so that information received and given is understood and accurately communicated;
• communicate and collaborate effectively with students, parents, and other staff members in person, via video conference, on the telephone, and/or in writing;
• observe details at close range
• in the school setting, ensure the safety of students;
• multitask and meet multiple demands from several people;
• may need to teach and support students with life skills development such as eating, cleaning, and toileting 
• lifting up to and including 25 lbs
• the noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

 

SELECTION GUIDELINES

• Formal application
• Rating of education and experience
• Oral interviews 
• Reference check
• Strong record of work performance in current and previous roles required
• Successful completion of Criminal Records Check (C.O.R.I.), Sexual Offender Record Check (S.O.R.I.), and fingerprints.

 

The Natick Public Schools do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other class protected by law.