Middle School Special Education Co-Teacher

 ​

Special Education Co-Teacher - Middle School

About Us

Our school is a free and public charter school that currently serves more than 200 students in Paterson, NJ. Our current elementary school is growing from serving grades K-1 & 5 in our inaugural year to an elementary school serving grades K-2 next year and a middle school serving grades 5-6. Once fully grown, we will be serving approximately 675 students serving grades K - 8. 

Inspired and founded by Brilla Public Charter Schools in the Bronx, our school combines a Classical approach to education – an emphasis on an ennobling and content-rich curriculum, inductive inquiry-driven instruction, and virtue formation that fosters an encounter with Truth, Beauty, and Goodness – with whole group & small group instruction as well as individualized instructional support for our students. We approach the formation of our students holistically and maintain high academic expectations. Ours is a joyful community that honors the dignity of each student, our staff members, and the families we serve.

Position Overview

The primary responsibility of a special education teacher is to cultivate and lead a learning environment where every child feels safe and confident to strive for and meet the school’s ambitious targets. The special education teacher understands, plans, and executes key elements of innovative pedagogy, co-teaching practices, and data-based decision-making through a deep love of learning, and commitment to internalizing and teaching, rigorous classical content in an inspiring and culturally relevant way. 

Core Competencies & Responsibilities

• Co-teach alongside a general education teacher in an inclusive classroom setting, implementing strategies to support diverse learning needs
• Collaboratively plan and deliver lessons, incorporating multiple learning modalities and adapting instruction to align with individualized education program (IEP) goals and grade-level standards
• Manage and track students' academic IEP goals, providing detailed reports on progress
• Set goals based on backward planning, demonstrating locus of control and alignment with an overall vision for student success and content mastery
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) through clear, objective-driven instruction and active student engagement, and provide SDI tailored to meet the unique needs of each student with disabilities
• Utilize diverse teaching methods and resources to engage students and promote active learning
• Assess student progress, provide feedback on academic performance, and create a positive and inclusive classroom environment
• Collaborate with colleagues to address individual student needs and promote a positive learning community
• Implement behavior management techniques to foster positive behavior and maintain a productive learning environment
• Build a warm and inclusive classroom environment, implementing Responsive Classroom practices
• Develop purposeful, rigorous, and engaging daily and long-term plans aligned to standards
• Submit necessary curriculum documents and maintain records of student progress toward academic goals
• Attend IEP meetings, write Special Education reports, and create and analyze meaningful assessments
• Collaborate with co-teachers, giving and receiving feedback to foster student growth and positive relationships
• Fully participate in special education curriculum-specific professional development, school and grade-level meetings, and other school functions
• Accept ultimate responsibility for the academic progress of students and actively work to overcome setbacks
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Certifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (required)
• New Jersey State teaching certification in Students with Disabilities (required)
• Teaching or student teaching experience in a school (required)
• Spanish language proficiency (preferred)
• Experience with a demonstrated proficiency in leading students from diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds preferred
• A relentless dedication to providing all students with an academically robust, inspiring, and joyful learning experience
• An unwavering, confident, and enthusiastic commitment to the educational mission of the school in service to the school community
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills

Our school provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees.

The base pay range for this position is $52,500 to $90,149 per year. Pay may vary within the stated range, depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A sign-on bonus for some roles may be provided as part of the compensation package subject to executive leadership approval, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, depending on the position offered.