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

Teaching Framework Responsibilities

Planning and Preparation

• The teacher will 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
• The teacher will seek knowledge of students' backgrounds, culture, skills, language proficiency, interests, and special needs and apply this knowledge to assist students
• The teacher will develop instructional outcomes that are of appropriate rigor and are suitable for students, and create viable methods to assess students in a variety of ways aligned to the Common Core Standards
• The teacher will ensure awareness of resources available through the school/district to enhance knowledge, teaching, or for students who need them
• The teacher will coordinate knowledge of content, students, and resources to design learning experiences aligned to instructional outcomes and Common Core Standards
• The teacher will plan for student assessment aligned with instructional outcomes and Common Core Standards, using clear criteria appropriate to students' needs

The Classroom Environment

• The teacher will interact with students in a friendly manner demonstrating caring and respect
• The teacher will develop a classroom culture characterized by commitment to learning
• The teacher will plan for small group instruction where students are productively engaged
• The teacher will create routines to assist with smooth transitions and handling of materials/supplies with minimal loss of instructional time
• The teacher will use efficient procedures for non-instructional duties to minimize loss of instructional time
• The teacher will ensure standards of conduct are clear to all students and monitor/respond to misbehavior appropriately
• The teacher will ensure the classroom is safe and the physical arrangement is appropriate for learning activities, including skillful use of technology

Instruction

• The teacher will clearly communicate the instructional purpose of lessons
• The teacher will provide clear directions and explain content accurately
• The teacher's spoken and written language will be clear, correct, and age-appropriate
• A majority of the teacher's questions/prompts will be high quality and invite thoughtful responses
• The teacher will engage all students in discussion and encourage responses
• The teacher will create lessons aligned with instructional outcomes and Common Core Standards, facilitating knowledge construction
• The teacher will ensure lessons have a clearly defined structure with appropriate pacing
• The teacher will select suitable materials and resources to engage students
• The teacher will use assessments to support instruction through frequent progress monitoring
• The teacher will modify lessons as needed and respond to students' questions and interests

Professional Responsibilities

• The teacher will reflect on lessons taught and provide accurate, objective descriptions with suggestions for improvement
• The teacher will maintain accurate records for student assignments, progress, and non-instructional purposes
• The teacher will communicate frequently with families and engage them in the instructional program
• The teacher will maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues, administrators, and parents
• The teacher will participate in the professional community and district/school events
• The teacher will seek professional development opportunities to enhance content knowledge and pedagogical skills
• The teacher will welcome feedback from supervisors and colleagues
• The teacher will actively assist other educators
• The teacher will display high levels of honesty, integrity, ethics, and professionalism
• The teacher will actively attempt to service students and ensure all receive a fair opportunity to succeed
• The teacher will comply with all school/district regulations

Schedule

Ten (10) months

Benefits

Fringe benefits according to the LEA contract agreement.