Self-Contained Special Education Teacher

Our district is seeking a full-time Special Education Teacher in a self-contained classroom.  NJ certification with the endorsement of "Teacher of the Handicapped" is acceptable for this position, as is endorsements of both "Teacher of Students with Disabilities" AND "Elementary School Teacher."

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Special Education Teacher shall:

1. Hold a New Jersey instructional certificate in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:27:1 et seq., and N.J.A.C. Title 6A Chapter 9 with appropriate special education endorsement(s) (N.J.A.C. 6A:9-11.3) and other endorsements for the position held (N.J.A.C. 6A:6.1,6.2 and/ or 8.1 et seq.).
2. Have excellent experience in teaching and working with children with exceptional needs.
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the specialized certification area, including an understanding of the current rules and regulations regarding special education assessment and program requirements.
4. Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, children with disabilities, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning and children with exceptional needs.
6. Exhibit a personality that demonstrates enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Special Education Teacher shall perform all job functions and assume all responsibilities outlined in the Elementary School Teacher Job Description.  The Special Education Teacher is an integral part of the total school program, and has specific additional professional responsibilities related to the certification held and professional position assigned (N.J.A.C. 6A Chapter 14), and shall:

1. Implement the educational program and comprehensive related services as outlined in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
2. Provide an instructional program closely related to and coordinated with the regular program so that all students meet and exceed the New Jersey Student Learnings Standards as outlined in the student’s IEP, modifying methods and materials as needed.
3. Maintain records indicating progress of the student in achieving the objectives of the IEP and assist with the evaluation and assessment of students.
4. Participate in the development and annual review of IEPs. Monitor the implementation, and provide information about completed goals and objectives, communicating closely with members of the Child Study Team and with the Case Manager about the progress of the child.
5. Communicate regularly with general education teachers when a child is mainstreamed and assist with providing appropriate instruction and with modifying when needed instructional practices to accommodate the needs and learning styles of the child.
6. Communicate regularly with the parents to nurture a supportive and cooperative relationship between home and school.
7. Assist the student who is physically challenged with movement to participate in activities or with other physical needs, when necessary.
8. Establish the schedule, role, responsibilities, and expectations for the paraprofessional assigned to assist the teacher.
9. Help to promote a school climate that is responsive to the special needs of disabled students.
10. Confer and cooperate with administrators, teachers and other personnel to facilitate integration of disabled pupils into the regular school program.

11. Prepare reports on individual pupils as may be requested by the Director of Special Services.

12. Provide mainstreamed students the assistance needed to maintain adequate progress.

13. Plan cooperatively with the teachers of mainstreamed students to ensure a consistent program for each student in each room.

14. Serve on the Intervention and Referral Services Team, if applicable.

15. Assist the professional staff through individual consultation and/or staff development sessions with understanding the needs of exceptional students and with strategies and approaches in dealing with problems in learning, behavior, or adjustment.

16. Submit lesson plans in the approved format to the Principal as required and requested.