Teacher - Special Education (Pre-K)

Pleasantville Public Schools•Pleasantville, NJ

58d

About The Position

Pleasantville Public Schools Pleasantville, New Jersey Job Description Instruction/Curriculum Certified TITLE: SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER (PRE-KINDERGARTEN SELF CONTAINED) JOB GOAL: Assumes professional responsibility for providing learning experiences and supervision of assigned students in a supportive and positive classroom climate that develops in each child the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to meet and exceed the State Core Curriculum Content Standards, following the approved curricula and directives of the school. In addition, teachers will strive to meet the highly effective criteria for the preparation of lesson plans, the use of data to drive instruction, the delivering of quality instruction, addressing the needs of diverse learners through differentiation, classroom environment, leadership, and professionalism. Achieving academic excellence requires that the teacher work collaboratively with other members of the school staff and with parents of each child.

Requirements

Hold a New Jersey instructional certificate and other appropriate subject area and Special Education endorsement(s) (N.J.A.C. 6:11-6.1, 6.2, or 8.1, 8.3 et seq.) in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:27.1 et seq., and N.J.A.C. Title 6 Chapter 11.
Have excellent experience in teaching and working with children.
Demonstrated knowledge of content field and describe ways in which the content can be organized into lessons for students.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning.
Exhibit positive interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community.
Ability to maintain a positive learning environment
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Current residency in New Jersey, approved residency waiver or candidate agrees to obtain residency within one year of employment
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and concisely in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative. Demonstrate the ability to use electronic equipment for work processing, data management, information retrieval, visual presentations, and telecommunications.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status by completing Federal Form I-9 in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Provide evidence that a criminal record history check has been conducted and clearance has been given by the Department of Education. During the initial six month period provide a sworn statement that the individual has not been convicted of a crime or a disorderly person's offense in accordance with 18A:6- 7.1.
Provide evidence that health is adequate to fulfill the job functions and responsibilities with reasonable accommodation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12101 and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6:3-4A.4
Pass the state required Mantoux Intradermal Tuberculin Test as required by N.J.A.C. 6:3-4A.4.
Meet such alternates to the above qualifications, as the Superintendent may deem appropriate, acceptable and legal.

Responsibilities

Establish high standards and expectations for all students for academic performance and responsibility for behavior.
Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
Provides instruction to classified pupils in accordance with each pupil's individualized education program.
Works cooperatively with regular education teaching staff to coordinate instructional activities and to monitor the progress of each pupil and provides support instruction in the regular classroom or resource center as assigned.
Provides home instruction to confined special education pupils as assigned.
Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction to meet the needs of each pupil.
Consults with members of the child study team regarding each pupil's educational program, academic program and personal growth.
Meets at least once annually with the case manager, parents and other professional staff to review and revise the individualized education program and placement of each assigned pupil.
Plan and implement sequential learning experiences, based on the use of data, for students in the content area for which the teacher is certified, using a variety of instructional strategies that are consistent with the district and school's philosophy, mission statement, instructional goals, school level objectives, and the Core Curriculum Content Standards. The learning experiences shall follow and use approved curricula and instructional materials.
Plan and implement instruction to ensure that all students meet and exceed the five broad areas of the Cross-Content Workplace Readiness Standard:
Develop career planning and workplace readiness skills;
Use technology, information, and other tools;
Use critical thinking, decision-making, and problem solving skills;
Demonstrate self management skills; and
Apply safety standards.
Engage the learners in highly effective, differentiated learning experiences for the range of skill levels and developmental needs found in the classroom, managing, when appropriate, multiple instructional activities simultaneously.
Incorporate each of the Core Content Standards into instruction, when appropriate, to reinforce the district's responsibility to ensure that all students meet and exceed all of the standards
Provide and effectively organize a variety of materials, equipment, media, and community resources to support the instructional program, using school approved procedures. Maintain a classroom environment that supports learning and encourages student growth. Organize and supervise approved field trips to enhance classroom learning.
Monitor the pacing of instruction and budget class time efficiently by providing clear directions, outlining expectations, and effectively bringing to closure instructional experiences.
Submit highly effective lesson plans that are reflective of quality instruction, in the approved format to the Principal or Supervisor as required and requested.
Use effective presentation skills when employing direct instruction, including appropriate vocabulary and examples, clear and legible visuals, and articulate and audible speech. Use excellent written and oral English skills when communicating with students, parents, and colleagues.
Provide a nurturing, supportive, and positive classroom climate that encourages student responsibility, using positive motivation, clear classroom routines, challenging instructional strategies, and effective classroom management techniques. Discipline students in a fair and consistent manner, using school approved procedures. Seek assistance of the parents and the Principal when needed.
Establish a professional rapport with students that earns their respect.
Communicate regularly with parents, seeking their support and advice, so as to create a cooperative relationship to support the child in the school.
Assess and diagnose the learning, social, and emotional needs and styles of students, using a variety of assessment techniques and data. Plan and adjust the learning experiences accordingly, requesting advice and assistance from specialists when appropriate.
Assist with the preparation, monitoring, and following of Individualized Education Plans for selected students assigned to the class.
Employ a variety of methods for students to demonstrate learning and accomplishments. Evaluate and grade homework, assignments, and tests in a timely fashion, providing feedback to the student on performance. Maintain records and provide evidence of growth and progress to parents and to students.
Assume responsibility for all students within the school, beyond those specifically assigned, supervising in a fair and constructive manner to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
Assist with extracurricular activities, supporting the total program of the school. Instruct, advise, coach, and supervise extracurricular activities, including interscholastic and intramural sports, academic competition, and fine art programs, as defined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Attend student events to demonstrate genuine interest in the life of the students.
Ensure the safety and health of all students, notifying the administration of any unsafe conditions, following established procedures.
Create a stimulating, attractive, organized, functional, healthy, and safe classroom, with proper attention to the visual, acoustic, and thermal environments.
Complete in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by law and regulation or requested by the Principal. Maintain accurate attendance records. Account for all funds collected from students.
Work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom (e.g., paraprofessionals, student teachers, parents, and volunteers), establishing clear expectations for roles and responsibilities.
Serve as a role model for students, dressing and grooming professionally, demonstrating the importance and relevance of learning, accepting responsibility, and demonstrating pride in the honorable profession of teaching.
Maintain positive, cooperative, and mutually supportive relationships with the administration, instructional staff, students, parents, and representatives of resource agencies within the community.
Attend required staff meetings and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees. Participate in curriculum and program development, and in the selection of materials and equipment to support instruction.
Notify immediately appropriate personnel of evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids.
Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences. Summarize, interpret, and disseminate current developments in learning, instructional strategies and classroom management through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.
Complete the required 100 clock hours of State-approved continuing professional development every five years in accordance with State and district procedures, as specified in the Professional Improvement Plan (N.J.A.C. 6:11-13).
Recommend to the Principal the supplies and equipment needed to support instruction and assist with ordering, following established procedures.
Maintain in safe working condition and safely operate electronic and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
Protect the confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
Perform any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications, as assigned by the Principal and assigned supervisor, and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
Adhere to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and regulations, school regulations and procedures, and contractual obligations.