Preschool Special Education Teacher

Reports to: The appropriate administrator(s) and/or supervisor(s), as indicated in the district's and respective school's organizational chart(s).

Qualifications

• Possess at least a Bachelor's Degree in Education or a related field and NJ State Certification
• Understanding and experience with curriculum design, planning, and instruction
• Strong communication skills
• ABA Experience Preferred

About the Role

Under the direction of the Building Principal and Curriculum/Special Education supervisors, the teacher will plan and provide for appropriate learning experiences for students.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessments, diagnosis, and research related to learning
• Demonstrates knowledge of current educational research, trends, and best practices
• Plans, organizes, and provides instruction to students based on the district curriculum and district evaluation rubric
• Develops, selects, and modifies instructional materials and activities to meet the needs of all learners
• Incorporates district initiatives into instruction
• Monitors and evaluates student progress against instructional objectives
• Provides oral and written feedback to students (as appropriate based on age and developmental level)
• Supervises students in a variety of settings
• Monitors appropriate use and care of equipment and materials
• Maintains an organized classroom
• Maintains accurate and effective records for instructional/non-instructional use
• Communicates and interacts with students, parents, and staff
• Works cooperatively with administrators and co-workers
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Able to use web-based programs

Planning and Preparation

• Plan and demonstrate practices that reflect knowledge of the content, prerequisite relationships between concepts, and the instructional practices specific to the discipline or subject which will be taught
• Seek knowledge of students' backgrounds, culture, skills, language proficiency, interests, and special needs and apply this knowledge to assist students
• Develop instructional outcomes that are of appropriate rigor and suitable for students, and create viable methods to assess students in a variety of ways aligned to the Common Core Standards
• Ensure awareness of resources available through the school/district to enhance knowledge, teaching, or for students who need them
• Coordinate knowledge of content, students, and resources to design learning experiences aligned to instructional outcomes and Common Core Standards
• Plan for student assessment aligned with instructional outcomes and Common Core Standards, using clear criteria appropriate to students' needs
• Use assessment results to plan for future instruction for students

The Classroom Environment

• Interact with students in a friendly manner demonstrating caring and respect
• Develop a classroom culture characterized by commitment to learning by both teacher and students
• Plan for small group instruction where students are productively engaged while unsupervised
• Create routines to assist with smooth transitions and handling of materials/supplies with minimal loss of instructional time
• Use efficient procedures for non-instructional duties to minimize loss of instructional time
• Ensure standards of conduct are clear to all students
• Monitor and effectively respond to student misbehavior in a timely and appropriate manner
• Ensure the classroom is safe and the physical arrangement is appropriate to learning activities, making skillful use of physical resources including technology

Instruction

• Clearly communicate the instructional purpose of lessons
• Provide clear directions to students
• Explain lesson content in a clear and accurate manner
• Use clear, correct spoken and written language with age-appropriate vocabulary to engage students
• Ask high-quality questions related to lesson objectives that invite thoughtful responses
• Engage all students in discussions and encourage them to respond to each other
• Create lessons aligned with instructional outcomes, Common Core Standards, and appropriate to students' developmental levels
• Ensure lessons have a clearly defined structure and appropriate pacing
• Select materials and resources suitable to instructional purposes and engaging for students
• Use assessments to support instruction through frequent monitoring of progress by both teacher and students
• Ensure students are aware of assessment criteria used to evaluate their work
• Use diagnostic prompts to provide evidence of learning
• Modify lessons as needed and respond to students' questions and interests
• Seek alternative approaches for students who have difficulty learning

Professional Responsibilities

• Reflect on lessons taught and provide an accurate, objective description with suggestions for improvement
• Maintain accurate records for student completion of assignments, progress in learning, and non-instructional purposes
• Communicate frequently with families and successfully engage them in the instructional program in a culturally appropriate manner
• Maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues, administrators, and parents
• Participate in the professional community and district/school events and projects
• Seek opportunities for professional development to enhance content knowledge and pedagogical skills
• Welcome feedback from supervisors and colleagues
• Actively assist other educators
• Display a high level of honesty, integrity, ethics, and professionalism in dealing with students, colleagues, administrators, parents, and the public
• Actively attempt to service students and ensure all students receive a fair opportunity to succeed
• Comply with all school/district regulations

Schedule

Ten (10) months

Benefits

Fringe benefits according to the LEA contract agreement.