The Human Resources Department Has Moved
Apply Now to our open positions!
Human Resources
Welcome to the Somerville Public Schools!
Somerville Public Schools strives to create an inclusive and racially affirming environment that welcomes and values the diversity of our staff and students. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.
Join the team and be part of a dynamic and progressive multicultural community. Thank you for your interest in joining our professional team.
Learn more about our schools by visiting their webpages or reading the Guide to Somerville Public Schools on the Schools Overview page.
Human Resources Department Central Office Staff
- Mariana MacDonald - Director of Human Resources
- TBD - Assistant Director of Human Resources
- Jean Cabral - HR Generalist
- Jessica Ciardi - HR Specialist
- Mercedes Braga-Tinoco - HR Associate
How to Join Our Team
Visit our new Recruit and Hire site to learn about current Somerville Public Schools employment opportunities, and submit an application.
To establish a complete pre-employment file, please complete the online application. Your application will be retained in active status for one school year. If your qualifications meet our needs, we will contact you for further information and a possible interview.
Benefits, Compensation, and Retirement
Below are helpful links regarding benefits, compensation, and retirement for City of Somerville employees. Please contact us if you are looking for additional information.
- Benefits: The City of Somerville provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, prescription, life and supplemental insurance, pension and deferred compensation.
- Massachusetts Teacher Retirement System
- Somerville Retirement System: The SRS is a contributory defined benefit plan covering employees in non-teaching positions.
- Employee Assistant Program – New Directions
Teacher Mentor Program
Teachers new to the Somerville Public Schools are assigned a veteran mentor to help them navigate the Somerville Public Schools, our curriculum tools, and instructional resources. Our mission is to create a team environment that will enable each new teacher to become an effective member of our school community by providing multiple levels of support, advice, and education. The mentor program for new teachers will provide the foundation for each new teacher to be self-sufficient, confident, and ready for effective experiences in education.
Who is assigned a mentor?
- Teachers who are novices
- Teachers who have changed grade levels
- Teachers reassigned to new buildings
- Teachers new to the school district but not to teaching
What do mentors do?
- Relate: Mentors help build confidential relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and professionalism. They develop a genuine understanding of their proteges' ideas and needs and they encourage the proteges to share and reflect on their experience.
- Share: Mentors help identify unique aspects of school and community culture for the proteges and they share the school district's formal and informal procedures and practices.
- Coach: Mentors assist the proteges in fine tuning their professional skills. They serve as role models to proteges and they share relevant experiences, examples, and strategies.
- Guide: Mentors encourage proteges to work independently, to ask questions, and to reflect personally and professionally.
Why would I want to be a mentor?
- Be a positive role model
- Use your expertise to help new teachers entering the profession
- Improve job satisfaction and gain a sense of professionalism
- Foster collegiality among staff
- Leave a legacy to teaching
What are the roles of the protege?
- Be committed to learning and improving one's teaching craft
- Observe and learn from experienced teachers
- Be a good listener, be open-minded, and be willing to learn from others
- Learn and grow from honest feedback
- Identify one's own personal and professional needs and ask for help
- Offer personal reflection on his/her own practice
What are the benefits of a teacher mentor program?
- More than half of new teachers leave the profession in the first five years; new teachers who participate in induction programs are nearly twice as likely to stay in the profession as those who don't.
- Research proves that a critical predictor of student success is teacher quality; mentoring fosters quality teaching.
Other HR Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out about the status of my application?
Employment applications submitted on our Recruit and Hire site are considered active and will be considered and reviewed in accordance with the appropriate search timeline. If you are selected for an interview, a hiring manager will be in contact with you directly.
Is an online application sufficient or do I need to submit a hard copy resume?
All applicants for employment must submit an online application through our Recruit and Hire site. No hard copies are accepted unless specified in the job announcement.
I don't have all of the required qualifications or application materials requested. Should I still apply for the position?
The online application database allows applicants to update their application online as needed and add or remove attachments as needed. We encourage applicants to update their online application and attach materials as requested per the job announcement.
Where can I find out about salary rates?
Information about employment compensation for Somerville Public School positions can be found on our Payroll Department site, or contact the Payroll office at 617-625-6600 x6040 for more information.
Where can I find out more about the educator license process?
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) offers information about the educator license process at https://www.doe.mass.edu/edeffectiveness/.
Where can I find the SPS collective bargaining agreements?
Please find the SPS Labor Unions' Collective Bargaining Agreements here.
Interested in working for other City of Somerville departments?
View those job postings at: https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/human-resources
Notice of Non-Discrimination:
The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.
The following Somerville Public Schools administrators have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
- Section 504: Elizabeth Doncaster, Director of Student Services, 617-625-6600 x6028
- Title IX or Chapter 622: Mariana MacDonald, Director of Human Resources, 617-625-6600 x6015
Somerville Public Schools Somerville Public Schools
167 Holland Street, Somerville MA 02144