Teacher of Students with Disabilities

JOB DESCRIPTION Page 1 of 4 PERTH AMBOY BOARD OF EDUCATION Special Education Teacher (Middle School/H.S) Qualifications:

1. Possession of valid New Jersey Teacher of Students with Disabilities/Teacher of the Handicapped Certificate.
2. Must have completed one of the following to satisfy core content area requirement Passed Praxis II in core content area Possess 30 undergraduate or 12 graduate credits in core content area Certification in core content area
3. Have excellent experience in teaching and working with children with exceptional needs.
4. Hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
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. Exhibits a personality that demonstrates enthusiasm and interpersonal skills that relates well with students staff, administration, parents and the community.
7. Strong leadership and communication skills.
8. Broad knowledge of child growth and development and psychology of exceptional children.
9. Required Criminal History Check.
10. Provide Proof of U.S Citizenship or legal resident alien status by completing Federal Form I-9.
11. Pass required State Mantoux/Tuberculin test and Physical Exam as required. Reports To: Principal/Chief Supervisor of Special Services Nature and Scope of Job: The Special Education Teacher (Middle School/H.S) assumes professional responsibility for providing specialized learning experiences and supervision of students with disabilities in a supportive and positive classroom climate that develops in each student the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to meet and exceed the Common Core Standards as outlined in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for the student, using approved curricula and directives of the school. Achieving academic excellence requires that the Special Education Teacher (MS/HS) works collaboratively with other members of the school staff, particularly the Child Study Team, and with parents of each student. Duties and Responsibilities:
12. Implement and monitor the educational program and comprehensive related services as outlined in the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP).
13. Provide an instructional program closely related to and coordinated with the regular program so that all students meet and exceed the Common Core Standards as outlined in the student's IEP, modifying methods and materials as needed.
14. Assess the learning of students using a variety of techniques and report data as required through PLC, the school and the district.
15. Plan and adjust the learning experiences accordingly, requesting advice and assistance from specialists when appropriate.
16. Employ a variety of methods for students to demonstrate learning and accomplishments.
17. Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.

JOB DESCRIPTION Page 2 of 4 PERTH AMBOY BOARD OF EDUCATION Special Education Teacher (Middle School/H.S) (Cont'd.)

7. Maintain records indicating progress of the student in achieving the objectives of the IEP and assist with the evaluation and assessment of students. Participate in the development and annual review of IEPs. Provide input regarding student progress and develop goals and objectives in the district computer based IEP system. Monitor the implementation, and provide information about completed goals and objectives, communicating closely with members of the Child Study Team and with the Case Manger about the progress of the child. Communicate regularly with regular education teachers and assist with providing appropriate instruction and with modifying when needed instructional practices to accommodate the needs and learning styles of the child.
8. Communicate regularly with the parents to nurture a supportive and cooperative relationship between home and school.
9. Assist the student who is physically challenged with movement to participate in activities or with other physical needs, when necessary.
10. Establish the schedule, role, responsibilities, and expectations for the paraprofessional assigned to assist the teacher.
11. 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.
12. Submit lesson plans in the approved format to the Principal as required and requested.
13. Use effective presentation skills when employing direct instruction, including appropriate vocabulary and examples, clear and legible visuals, and articulate and audible speech.
14. Use excellent written and oral English skills when communicating with students, parents, and colleagues.
15. 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.
16. Seek assistance of the parents and the Principal when needed.
17. Establish a professional rapport with students that earns their respect.
18. Communicate regularly with parents, seeking their support and advice, so as to create a cooperative relationship to support the child in the school.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. May choose to assist with extracurricular activities, supporting the total program of the school.
22. May choose to 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.
23. May choose to attend student events to demonstrate genuine interest in the life of the students.
24. 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.
25. Complete in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by law and regulation or requested by the Principal. Maintain accurate attendance records.

JOB DESCRIPTION Page 3 of 4 PERTH AMBOY BOARD OF EDUCATION Special Education Teacher (Middle School/H.S) (Cont'd.)

26. Work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom (e.g., paraprofessionals, student teachers, and parents), establishing clear expectations for roles and responsibilities.
27. 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.
28. Maintain positive, cooperative, and mutually supportive relationships with the administration, instructional staff, students, parents, and representatives of resource agencies within the community.
29. Attend required staff meetings and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees.
30. Participate in curriculum and program development, and in the selection of materials and equipment to support instruction.
31. 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.
32. Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences.
33. 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).
34. Recommend to the Principal the supplies and equipment needed to support instruction and assist with ordering, following established procedures.
35. Maintain in safe working condition and safely operate electronic and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
36. 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.
37. 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. Verification of Competency:
38. District Application and resume.
39. Required documentation outlined in the qualifications above.
40. A minimum of three letters of reference from former employers, teachers, professors or other professional sources, or copies of recent evaluations and observations of teaching performance.
41. Official College Transcripts.
42. Employment Interview. Physical Demands, Visual Acuity and Working Conditions: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made while performing this job, the staff member shall:

JOB DESCRIPTION Page 4 of 4 PERTH AMBOY BOARD OF EDUCATION Special Education Teacher (Middle School/H.S) (Cont'd.)

1. Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
2. Sit, stand, and walk for required periods of time.
3. Speak and hear.
4. Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
5. Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
6. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
7. Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, computers, and/or controls. Environmental Demands: The environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive.
8. Exposure to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses.
9. Occasional exposure to a variety of weather conditions.
10. Exposure to heated/air conditioned and ventilated facilities.
11. Exposure to a building in which a variety of chemical substances are used for cleaning instruction, and/or operation of equipment.
12. Function in a workplace that is usually moderately quiet but that can be noisy at times. Terms of Employment: 10 month exempt, salaried position with agreement between the Perth Amboy Federation and the Perth Amboy Board of Education. Salaries, benefits, and leave time as negotiated. The Special Education Teacher (Middle/HS) will be evaluated by the Building Administrator/Chief Supervisor of Special Services or designee. Date Adopted: May 23, 2013