Lawrence Public Schools

Join Our Staff!

Spark Academy in Lawrence, MA, seeks excellent teachers to join our team of committed, growth-oriented educators.Bienvenido a Spark Academy!

Current Openings ↓

What makes Spark Academy special?

Within two years of opening, Spark Academy went from a level 4 to a level 1 school, the highest designation in the state, and in 2023, we were named a school of recognition for our achievement growth. This is a distinction earned by only 4% of schools in the state.

About 13 years ago, Lawrence Public Schools went under receivership in order to help turn around schools from chronic underperformance. As part of this process, school leaders were asked help improve schools within the district in order to optimize student learning. During this period of transformation in the district, Spark Academy was founded.

Our positive, growth-oriented staff, our focus on movement, a deep commitment to research-driven educational practices and, of course — our students! Featured on NPR’s Only a Game, our program integrates frequent physical movement and exercise opportunities to bolster both academic achievement and overall well-being.

To read more about the vision behind Spark Academy, check out “A School on the Move — Literally” from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Current Openings for the 2026-2027 School Year:

Our Core Values

At Spark Academy, students and staff live by five core values that define who we are as a community.

Seeking JusticeMake the world a fair place.
PerseveranceTry hard especially when things get difficult.
Active LivingMove often, eat right, have fun, and live well.
ReasonSolve problems using logic and evidence.
KindnessTreat others well, even when you don't feel like it.

Hear what current teachers value about being part of our team!

I love coming to work every day with people who genuinely enjoy working with students, who are always striving to improve their teaching craft, and who believe in constant collaboration. Spark has a deep sense of community and pride amongst students and staff which is shown in the number of former students who come back to visit, volunteer, and even work here.

— Kalysta, 6th Grade Math Teacher

Spark has a fantastic working environment, and I feel like I am part of a really important team!

— Dan, Associate Teacher

Spark is a wonderful place to teach and I feel blessed to be part of such a supportive school community where the foundational passion for learning and growth inspires students and teachers to be at their best.

— Brian, 6th Grade History Teacher

FAQs

Is Spark Academy a charter school?+
No! Spark Academy is a fully public school. We are part of the Lawrence Public School System. However, we do have “earned autonomy,” meaning that, while we are a fully unionized, public school, we still have some of the decision making control and flexibility that helps us serve our students the best we can.
Does Spark Academy have a teacher's union?+
Yes, as part of Lawrence Public Schools, Spark Academy teachers and paraprofessionals can join their unions. The Lawrence Teachers and Paraprofessionals Unions offer many benefits to employees, and advocates for the best possible learning community for LPS teachers, students, and families.
What support does Spark Academy offer students?+
Spark Academy provides students with a safe, caring environment for students that supports them achieving their goals in an academically rigorous environment. Our school has a fully staffed climate team that supports each grade level with student needs, and works to build a safe learning environment for all students to thrive in. Additionally, Spark Academy offers students access to school counselors who are available to support students with social and emotional needs.
What does it mean that you “focus on Active Living”?+
At Spark Academy, one of our core values is active living. That's why every student at Spark has 50 minutes of fitness class each day. In addition, students also have 15 minutes of recess each day and we encourage our teachers to incorporate movement in their lessons, not only for the physical benefits for kids' health, but for the academic and social emotional benefits as well.

Join Our Staff!

Interested in joining our team? Roles for the 2026-2027 school year are posted in our current openings! Or, feel free to reach out to Amy Heuton, our Assistant Principal, to find out more about working at Spark at amy.heuton@lawrence.k12.ma.us.

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Someone from the Spark Academy team will be in touch soon. ¡Gracias!

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