SY26-27 SEZP Physical Therapist / Adaptive Physical Education Teacher

Physical Therapist / Adaptive Physical Education Teacher

Location: School-based (1 or more locations)

Full Time Start Date: August 17, 2026 (anticipated)

Job Details

Ensuring maximum access and high expectations will drive change from within our schools by positioning leaders, special educators, MTSS teams, families, and students as experts, advocates, visionaries, and activists in anti-racism, equity, and empowerment. The SEZP calls upon skilled and passionate educators to support the development and evolution of systems, supports, oversight, and monitoring of Specialized Services.

Physical Therapy Essential Responsibilities

• Completion of initial screenings and evaluations
• Documents PT assessment(s), re-assessments, PT intervention, goals and plans in a timely manner.
• Obtains or completes supplemental assessments or clinical documentation, as needed
• Collaboratively develops goals, objectives and individualized intervention plans
• Participates in scheduled IEP and progress review meetings.
• Plans, implements and monitors fine and gross-motor activities that allow students to access and benefit from their program of specialized instruction. The focus of these services includes, but is not limited to: academic functioning, daily living skills, play/leisure skills and work skills.
• Assesses and makes environmental and other adaptations to allow students to access and benefit from their program of specialized instruction.
• Provides training to special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and others as appropriate, in carrying out day-to-day activities designed to enhance the motor functioning of students.
• Consults and collaborates with school staff and/or parents in developing, implementing, evaluating and maintaining physical therapy interventions.
• Consults with school staff in making necessary environmental adaptations so that students can access school classrooms, buildings, playgrounds, and other facilities.
• Coordinates the delivery of physical therapy services with classroom teachers, special education staff and other providers to ensure continuity and consistency in providing comprehensive special education services to students.
• Assesses the fine and gross motor and the environmental accessibility of students referred for special education evaluations.
• Helps determine the need for environmental adaptations and physical therapy.
• Maintains an accurate record of therapy sessions, consultations and other pertinent activities.

Adaptive PE Essential Responsibilities

• Identification of children who require Adapted Physical Education in SEZP schools
• Screening, assessment and development of assessment reports and Individualized Educational Plans for children qualifying for adapted physical education services
• Provide direct and consultation adapted physical education services to students who have Individual Education Plans which require these services
• Timely completion of all paperwork, including but not limited to documentation required for IEPs, team meetings, progress reports, billing/logging, and departmental paperwork

Qualifications

• MA Degree in Physical Therapy from a school accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association
• Licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Physical Therapist (PT) required
• Valid Massachusetts DESE educator license in the appropriate subject and grade level required. Candidates not yet licensed may be eligible for a licensure waiver and are encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated ability to support a range of learners through strong instruction and relationship-building
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency required
• Bachelor’s degree required

If you meet many—but not all—of the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply. SEZP values educators who are reflective, collaborative, and committed to continuous growth.

We encourage you to reach out to us at info@sezp.org if you have questions about the role or your qualifications. We are happy to help you feel ready to apply!

Benefits

Selection as an educator in SEZP recognizes an individual for their outstanding vision, capacity, and commitment to students. Educators in SEZP are eligible for the same competitive benefits available to Educators in the Springfield Public Schools.

Educators joining SEZP may also be eligible for the following recruitment incentives, which may be offered individually:

• Signing bonus in addition to base salary
• Relocation award for candidates from regions beyond western Massachusetts

While Massachusetts is consistently ranked as one of the top states for education results in the country, we have one of the highest and most persistent opportunity gaps. The Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP) - established in 2015 as a collaboration between Springfield Public Schools (SPS), the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and the Springfield Education Association (SEA) – seeks to improve the longitudinal life outcomes of the more than 2,500 students in our 8 middle schools.

SEZP combines district-based public education with the flexibility of autonomous school models, granting schools meaningful control over curriculum, staffing, scheduling, and budgeting—while maintaining clear accountability for student learning and growth.

Across all of its work—including school improvement and educator preparation—SEZP is guided by three core values:

• Access: Expanding access to strong learning environments, skilled mentors, and clear pathways for students and educators
  
• Belonging: Building communities where people are known, supported, and accountable to one another
  
• Opportunity: Preparing students and educators to learn, lead, and thrive over time

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT 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, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel of Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com.

Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com