Teacher - Special Education (ASD, BD, ID)

Passaic Board of Education•Passaic, NJ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This job description outlines the role and responsibilities of a Special Education Teacher within the Passaic Board of Education. The position requires a valid New Jersey instructional certificate with appropriate endorsements and a bachelor's degree or higher. The teacher will be responsible for planning, preparing, and delivering instruction tailored to students with special needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Behavioral Disabilities (BD), and Intellectual Disabilities (ID). A strong commitment to providing a supportive and structured learning environment with high expectations for student success is essential. The role involves collaborating with colleagues, parents, and administrators to ensure student progress and adherence to educational policies and regulations.

Requirements

Hold a valid New Jersey instructional certificate with appropriate endorsement(s) in accordance with the requirements of New Jersey statutes and regulations.
A bachelor’s degree or higher; exceptions to be determined based on New Jersey statues and regulations.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, instructional content, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to providing every student a supportive and structured learning environment, based around high expectations for student learning and success.
Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and deliver instruction consistent with district programs of study, curriculum, and instructional guidelines.
Deliver instructional practice and pedagogy consistent with the approved curriculum and which meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
Implement the district’s philosophy of education and the State, district and school’s instructional goals and objectives.
Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students through the creation and support of a positive learning environment.
Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
Provide a nurturing, supportive and positive classroom climate that encourages student responsibility, using positive motivation, challenging instructional strategies, and effective classroom management techniques.
Develop effective procedures for the operation and management of the classroom and for following routine school procedures.
Establish and maintain appropriate expectations for student behavior in the classroom, school building and school grounds and exercises due care for the health, safety, and well–being of the students.
Demonstrate fairness and consistency when applying rules and grading students.
Evaluate and grade classwork, homework, assignments, and tests in a timely fashion, providing feedback to the student on performance.
Accurately maintain appropriate student records and submit required reports within designated time limits.
Submit lesson plans in the approved format to the Principal or designee as required and requested.
Assess pupils in accordance with district testing policy and program; interpret the results and utilize the information obtained for planning instruction, for reporting student growth and progress, and for improving curriculum.
Gather and analyze student assessment data throughout the year (benchmarks, Developmental Reading Assessment, English Development Language, etc.) to be used for data-driven instructional decisions.
Work collaboratively with fellow faculty members to analyze and use student data to inform instruction leading to increased student achievement.
Employ instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated objectives including positive attitudes toward learning, analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity.
Assist in curriculum development and in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
Assist with the preparation, monitoring, and following of Individualized Education Plans for selected students assigned to the class.
Display respect towards the rights and feelings of students, thereby encouraging students to develop attitudes of respect for the rights, feelings, opinions, and property of others.
Effectively contribute to the overall before and after school functions and student activities of his/her school unit.
Assist with extra-curricular activities, supporting the total program of the school.
Attend student events to demonstrate genuine interest in the life of the students.
Assist with supervision of students in non-classroom areas and in areas as assigned.
Assume responsibility for all students within the school, supervising in a fair and constructive manner.
Ensure the safety and health of all students, notifying the administration of any unsafe conditions, following established protocols.
Maintain copies of all necessary records and forms related to the students, classroom, and school.
Conference with students and parents to foster a constructive student-teacher and parent-teacher relationship.
Communicate effectively and use excellent written and oral skills when communicating with students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
Participate in staff meetings, administrator meetings, and committee meetings.
Maintain cordial and workable professional and social relationships with other members of the instructional and non-instructional staff, and with students, parents, and community members.
Work toward professional growth in alignment with the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers.
Engage in professional development necessary to provide high-quality instruction to students.
Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences.
Summarize, interpret, and disseminate current developments in learning theory and research, instructional strategies, and program services through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.
Operate electronic, digital, and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
Advise immediately appropriate school personnel and other required agencies 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.
Observe strictly and exceed, to avoid the appearance of conflict, all requirements of board policy on vendor relations including solicitation and acceptance of gifts and favors.
Adhere to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and regulations, and contractual obligations.
Perform all other duties assigned by the Principal or designee that is not otherwise prohibited, as required by law, code, regulation, or Board policy.
Perform such other tasks and assure such other responsibilities as the Superintendent or designee may assign from time to time not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.