Join Our Community
A great workplace combines exceptional people with the opportunity to serve others.
SPS serves nearly 10,000 students from across our community, and we are looking for individuals who are passionate about education and have a desire to serve. If this describes you, we invite you to browse current openings and consider becoming a part of the SPS community.
Springfield Public Schools is committed to recruiting and cultivating exceptional talent to serve in the education of our community. Our commitment to our employees extends beyond the classroom to include professional development opportunities, training and achievement recognition.
The Human Resources Department serves more than 1,700 Springfield Public Schools employees, including:
- Administrators (principals, district leadership, managers, supervisors and confidential secretaries).
- Licensed teaching staff (teachers, counselors, nurses, school psychologists, speech therapist).
- Classified staff (custodial, educational assistants, maintenance, nutrition services, office staff, and transportation).
- Substitute employees (licensed and classified).
Learn more about how to join our team and make a difference for the students of Springfield.
Career Opportunities at SPS
Work for a district you'll love!
Join the team making a difference, one student at a time.
Meet Our People
Elena Espinoza
Multicultural Liaison at Springfield High School
27 years working at SPS
"I grew-up and went to school in México. Growing-up in the sixties was not easy for a stubborn girl that loved school. I was constantly reminded that school was for boys, not for girls. I graduated from high school with a certificate in public accountancy and as an executive secretary. When I came to the U.S., I went to Lane Community College to learn English and I also enrolled in their Human Services Social Work Program. I started working with the Migrant Education Program visiting schools and recruiting families for the program. During this time, I met wonderful parents and students and the most amazing teachers and principals, one in particular asked me if I would like to work in the school and I was offered the position of a Bilingual Assistant. I applied and was accepted, then I changed to the position of Multicultural Liaison and I am still here serving my community for the past rewarding 27 years. It breaks my heart when a student quits school because they have to work to fend for themselves. I enjoy calling parents to tell them that their kids are doing great. For me, the most rewarding thing of all, is when I get to see them walking with their cap and gown at their graduation ceremony!"
Misty Acker
PE Teacher at Maple Elementary
16 years working at SPS
"I was born in Dallas, Georgia in 1968 and grew-up with three older brothers in the small, rural town of Hiram where my grand uncle served as the Mayor for 27 years. We moved to Eugene to live with my aunt, where I attended Willamette High School, graduating in 1986. As a high school student-athlete, I participated in Varsity Gymnastics and Softball. I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school. I was stationed at Charleston AFB, South Carolina for my four years of active duty, working as an aircraft maintenance specialist on C-141 airplanes. After leaving the Air Force, I completed my developmental psychology undergraduate degree at University of Oregon and began my career working in education at The Child Center in 2001. I completed my Master’s in Early Childhood Elementary Special Education at UO in 2009 and started working at SPS as a Special Ed Teacher at Riverbend. My husband of 27 years and our two adult daughters are a huge part of my life. My philosophy on physical education is for me to serve and help students learn skills, gain knowledge and develop confidence in order for them to desire and be able to participate in any adventure they choose for the rest of their lives."
Kari Isham
Principal at Yolanda Elementary School
24+ years working at SPS
"I am a truly proud SPS graduate. Go Colts Class of '90! I went to Walterville, Thurston Mid and THS. I do have a twin sister who still lives in Springfield and it's kind of funny how many times students, families or staff share with me that they’ve met Kristi. I am happily married to Mark or "Mr." as my staff know him. Our oldest son, Peter Skelton, works at SPS Facilities and loves it! My professional career is a bit messy, but I landed in the right place. I spent six years in the banking world right after high school. I ended-up at Lane Community College in the Child Development Center and loved it! I completed my two-year Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate. I earned my B.A. in Teaching from Pacific University and started at Yolanda in 2001. I started and finished my masters the same year. I was in the classroom for 11 years. I taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 5th grades during those years. Several of our Administrators are prior students of Springfield schools as well, and I love that I am part of that history. Navigating the bumpy times, provides us the opportunity to reflect on our practice and to make a plan to keep getting better with our craft. Stopping to see the celebrations, provides the momentum to keep doing our best! "
Jen Boita
Occupational Therapist
16 years working at SPS
"I grew-up in a rural town south of Kansas City. I have two sisters; one is five years older and the other is my identical twin! We graduated from high school in a class size of less than 100. I think I have always been drawn to individuals with disabilities. Growing up, one of my best friends had an orthopedic impairment; sadly, she passed away in her 20s. In high school, my mom suggested occupational therapy as a profession. After some research, I decided to pursue a Master’s in Occupational Therapy. When my husband and I started a family, we made a mutual decision with my twin to move to a place where our kids could grow-up together. We chose Eugene as our new home. Shortly after our move, an OT position opened up in SPS; I interviewed and was grateful to be hired! A typical week involves me and my assistant going to 13 schools to cover the OT needs of 100 Springfield students. The primary role of OT in the schools is to provide either direct therapy, consultation, or accommodations for students in special education who have significant challenges with fine motor, perceptual skills, or difficulty processing sensory information in their school environment."
Our Benefits
Whether it's affordable healthcare options for employees and their families, the access to beneficial retirement programs, paid time off,
or the professional development offerings, Springfield Public Schools employment goes beyond just a paycheck.
Pathways in Education Program
The Lane Education Service District Pathways Program provides scholars with tuition scholarships ranging between
$2,500 and $15,000 to attend Bushnell University, University of Oregon, Pacific University, or Lane Community College.
In addition, scholars receive personalized academic support throughout the program, from application to licensure.
Technical Assistance for New Employees
Human Resources Team
Dustin Reese
Director of Human Resources
Lydia Fabian
Assistant Director of Human Resources
Betsy Frost
Recruitment and Hiring Specialist
Joni Balli
HR Technician
Eriann Lanning
HR Technician
Sherry Moore
Human Resources Office Manager