RFK Community Alliance·Springfield, Massachusetts
The History Teacher will plan and deliver engaging high school history lessons incorporating skill support and social-emotional learning, while also developing and overseeing content- and skill-based goals aligned with student Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Responsibilities include creating experiential elective courses, collaborating with the educational team on IEPs, building therapeutic relationships with students, and managing a classroom environment conducive to safety and growth.
$70,000 - $80,000 per year Springfield, MA Ready to make a real impact? RFK Community Alliance is thrilled to offer a full-time opportunity for a passionate High School History Teacher and/or Secondary Special Education Teacher to join our inspiring team in Springfield, MA! Help shape young minds, ignite curiosity, and be a part of something truly meaningful. Who We Seek Robert F. Kennedy Academy is a therapeutic day school that provides educational and clinical services to students with diverse abilities and disabilities, including those in the emotional, psychiatric, and learning realms. The school’s curriculum and support services assist students in reaching milestones such as graduation, the transition to post-secondary educational and vocational opportunities, or the return to public school. A small school by design, RFK Academy creates individualized learning opportunities and accommodation, while establishing a community of learners among students for whom connections to school have often been a challenge. The History Teacher plans and delivers thoughtful lessons with skill support and social-emotional and self-regulation learning opportunities represented within the curriculum. The History Teacher will be a contributing member of the educational team in both school- and community-based environments. The History Teacher will develop and oversee progress on content- and skill-based goals and evaluate and articulate progress collaboratively with the team according to treatment planning and students’ Individualized Education Programs.
Develops and implements an engaging high school curriculum that utilizes current pedagogical best practices, including student-centered learning activities and project-based learning
Creates and leads at least one experiential elective course per semester, based on personal interests and the interests of students
Works collaboratively with the Educational Coordinator to develop skill-based IEP goals and complete quarterly IEP progress notes
Builds strong relationships with students in a therapeutic setting aligned to the principles of Trauma-Informed Care and the Behavior Support System protocols overseen by the Clinical Coordinator
Works with a dynamic educational and support team to develop all-school special events such as poetry slams, trivia day, spirit week, fashion week, etc
Assists as needed in the school transition program, working with students to develop functional academic skills for their post-secondary opportunities
Attends supervision, daily morning and afternoon meetings, and weekly teacher-team meetings in order to develop as an educator and best serve the evolving needs of our student population
Manages a classroom that meets the student's needs for safety, routines and protocols, educational growth, and social/emotional development.
Participates in orientation, in-service training, monthly Professional Development meetings, and assigned external training with ongoing development supported by a supervisor and the administrative team.
Shifts • 40 hours per week: Monday – Friday, days; 12-month benefited position
A Bachelor's Degree is required, though a Master's Degree is preferred for this role. Candidates should ideally possess Massachusetts teaching certification in History or Moderate Disabilities (grades 5-12) and must hold a valid Massachusetts driver's license.
Market context
Classroom teacher openings in Massachusetts are often driven by school staffing needs, student support priorities, and subject-area coverage. These roles are competitive because employers look for strong communication, classroom management, and the ability to meet state and district expectations; in this listing, the requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, which can save candidates research time. Before applying, review the certification, schedule, and any required documentation to confirm you meet the posted qualifications.