TEACHER RESOURCES
Curriculum Resource
The Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework outlines learning standards for Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Media Arts, ensuring all students develop artistic literacy. It emphasizes active participation in the arts, creative expression, and understanding the role of arts in individual lives, communities, and cultures. The framework is organized around four artistic practices, including (1) Creating, (2) Presenting/Performing, (3) Responding, and (4) Connecting.
Curriculum Resource
Built upon the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework, click on the links below to access Springfield VPA Curriculum and Unit Guides for Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
Curriculum Resource
Pacing guides are roadmaps for each course, giving specific topics and/or standards to be covered and the suggested amount of time to spend on each. They can help you plan and stay on track throughout the year. Click on the links below to access the Pacing Guides for Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
Instructional Resource
See all the elements of high-quality instruction in one place.
Instructional Resource
GLEAM instruction is a framework that emphasizes Grade-Level, Engaging, Affirming, and Meaningful instruction for all students. It focuses on creating learning experiences where students feel respected, challenged, and connected to their learning, ultimately promoting academic success and fostering a sense of belonging.
Instructional Resource
Bloom's Taxonomy is a hierarchical framework used to classify learning objectives into levels of complexity, from basic recall to higher-order thinking. It is used to structure learning experiences, design assessments, and clarify the different types of cognitive skills needed for effective learning. The taxonomy is often visualized as a pyramid, with the simplest levels at the bottom and the more complex ones at the top. Our goal is help students reach the top--to LEAD and CREATE!
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Instructional Resource
We love all students, no matter what! You will have challenging days, but let's develop our classroom management techniques together. Like learning an instrument, we can all practice and grow. You are not alone. Share your ideas and best practices to support your colleagues:
Best Practice
Empower student leaders to take ownership in your classroom across all grade levels and content areas. Create opportunities for students to take initiative, serve as role models, mentor their peers, model or showcase their work for classmates, or even teach a lesson.
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BEST PRACTICES FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP
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1) Define leadership roles & responsibilities (they can be formal or informal depending on your grade and content area)
2) Provide opportunities for student voice and choice
3) Listen to student leaders so they know that their voice matters
4) Facilitate peer learning and teaching
5) Encourage students to teach each other, reinforcing their understanding of the material and building confidence in their communication skills
6) Create a learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and learning from mistakes, building resilience and adaptability
7) Create opportunities for students to lead discussions, activities, projects, giving them a chance to practice leadership skills
8) Utilize student leaders as a classroom management strategy
9) Adapt student leader best practices for your grade level and content area
10) Lead by example: Teachers should model the leadership qualities they want to see in their students​​
District Resource
Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinnall has established 4 district priorities to improve student outcomes. These areas of focus include (1) Early Literacy Development, (2) Middle School Transformation, (3) College & Career Readiness, and (4) Post-Secondary Success.
Music Teacher Resource
Build your beginning ensembles! Click the "ALL Lesson Videos" link to see a full year of lesson videos in order. Click the "Lesson Sequence" link and scroll down to Symphonic Band/Beginning Band to see the lesson sequence. Play the videos for your students or use them as a guide to develop your teaching strategy.
Art Teacher Resource
Each year art teachers showcase student work at Springfield Public School's Central Office @ 1550 Main Street in Springfield, MA 01103. Art teachers, click the link to see your school's schedule and determine (1) how many pieces to bring, (2) what sizes, (3) where/when to hang
them up, and (4) when to take down.
Admin Resource
If needed, give this quick VPA reference guide to administrators to share about (1) our vision, (2) our approach to instruction, and (3) our mentoring programs.
Operational Resource
Do you need to borrow equipment for a student event or performance? Contact Gary Bernice @ berniceg@springfieldpublicschools.com at least a month in advance (or more) to coordinate the SPS Facilities Team to deliver and pick up the equipment. Include the drop off date, location, and pick up date.
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EQUIPMENT LIST TO BORROW
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1) PA/Sound System/Microphone
2) Choral Risers
3) Chairs​
4) Other Instruments
5) Art Display Panels
6) Etc.
Operational Resource & Professional Development
The Springfield District Music Library is housed inside the SciTech Library, located at 1250 State Street in Springfield, MA 01109. The library includes (1) music scores, (2) sheet music, (3) ensemble method books, (4) instrument method books, (5) K-12 teaching guides for, and (6) other teaching pedagogy books that are relevant for all VPA teachers.
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FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO SIGN OUT MATERIALS
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1) Click on the link below
2) Type your name in Column E next to what you sign out
3) Type your school in Column F next to what you sign out​
4) Type the date in Column G next to what you sign out
5) Return all items at the end of the year and and type the date in Column H when you return the item.
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Note:
The library catalog is still in the process of being built. If the item you want to sign out is not listed in the catalog, simply write the title in Column A and complete steps 1-4 above. Please do not delete anything from the catalog or sort the columns. ​
Operational Resource
Click the link to view and upload your inventory.
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FOLLOW THESE STEPS BELOW to upload your equipment/instrument inventory each year:
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1) Click the link below. On the bottom left of your screen, click the + sign to create a new sheet. ​
2) Right click the new “Sheet” that you just created and select “Rename”​
3) Rename the sheet with your school name, teacher last name, and the date: School Name (Teacher Last Name) - Date
4) Paste in (or write in) your inventory – To make it easier, you can simply paste it in from excel
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​Note: Please don’t delete any tabs. Only include non-consumable items on your inventory (items that can be reused each year). If needed, click on the tab titled “Inventory Template” to see an inventory example.
Teacher Licensure & MTEL
Office of Educator Licensure & Call Center
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education has an Office of Educator Licensure webpage and Call Center available weekdays, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm. The Call Center number is 781-338-6600.
License Types
There are 4 types of teaching licenses, (1) Temporary, (2) Provisional, (3) Initial, and (4) Professional.
MTEL Study Info
You can purchase these resources to study for MTEL Exams in art, dance, music, or theater.
Fundraising Resource
Raise funds and establish your own Student Activity Account at your school, maintained by the SPS Business Office. Tax-deductible donations can be placed into this account along with any money raised by fundraising. Deposit money and pay approved Springfield vendors directly. Contact John Johnson for more details or to set up an account @ johnsonj@springfieldpublicschools.com.
Field Trip Resource
This is the official district field trip form. However, check with your office clerk first because your individual school may have its own modified field trip form.
Technology Resource
We have our own VPA Microsoft Teams Page. Reach out to Gary Bernice @ berniceg@springfieldpublicschools.com if you need access.
