Special Education Teacher/Junior High School
Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and NYS-certified Special Education Teacher to lead a 15:1:1 Special Class for a mixed-needs 7th and 8th-grade bridge classroom. The ideal candidate will cultivate a structured, supportive environment that addresses both the academic and behavioral needs of students requiring a specialized setting. This role involves adapting the standard middle school curriculum to meet diverse Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, utilizing a full-time teaching assistant to maximize student engagement and success.
Key Responsibilities:
Instruction & Classroom Management:
? Differentiate Curriculum: Modify NYS 7th and 8th-grade core academic standards to match individual student learning styles, cognitive levels, and functional capabilities.
? Manage 15:1:1 Dynamics: Structure a classroom environment for up to 15 students, utilizing the assigned 1 teaching assistant to deliver small-group and individualized instruction.
? Implement Behavior Plans: Utilize positive behavior interventions, de-escalation techniques, and school-wide behavior tracking to support students with emotional, behavioral, or academic regulation needs.
? Bridge Multi-Grade Levels: Plan and execute lessons that blend 7th and 8th-grade concepts, allowing students to learn at their own developmental pace.
? IEP Compliance & Collaboration
? IEP Management: Draft, update, and track progress on student IEP goals, ensuring full legal compliance with state and federal regulations.
? Assess & Report: Administer formal and informal assessments, collecting data to write comprehensive Present Levels of Performance (PLOP) reports.
? Team Collaboration: Partner with speech therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, and general education staff to ensure integrated service delivery.
? Parent Communication: Maintain consistent, empathetic communication with families regarding student progress, behavioral milestones, and academic goals.
? Required Qualifications
¦ Certification: Valid New York State Teaching Certificate in Students with Disabilities (Grades 5–9) or Students with Disabilities (All Grades).
¦ Education: Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
¦ Skills: Strong understanding of middle school curriculum, IEP writing systems, and data-driven instruction.
¦ Competencies: High emotional intelligence, resilience, strong classroom organization, and excellent collaborative skills.