• Grit: We never give up. We do whatever it takes. We find another way.
• Empathy: We understand and serve the needs and feelings of others. We listen first and welcome differences of opinion. We support our teammates.
• Achievement: We set ambitious goals. We focus on results. We make each other better.
• Curiosity: We are eager to learn. We explore new things. We ask questions that deepen our understanding.
• Humility: We embrace our mistakes because we always have room to grow. We relentlessly seek feedback. We are grateful for our opportunities and advantages.
• Enthusiasm: We choose to stay positive. We invigorate others. We go all in, all the time.

• We have a 6:1 staff-to-student ratio that ensures individualized academic and social-emotional support
• The opportunity to work in an engaging, collaborative work environment that boost an academic program that emphasizes core instruction while also providing arts and sports offerings; and internships with area partners including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Teach for America, and the Newark Downtown District.
• Common Planning and Prep Time Every Day
• We develop our teacher with approximately 300 hours of annual professional development, and multiple leadership pathways.
• With a teacher retention rate of 90%, our teachers love working at our school!

Job Description: Special Education Teacher

The Special Eduction Teacher collaborates fully with general education teachers, the school Social Worker, the Guidance Counselor, and the School Leader to ensure that all students at People’s Prep receive the diverse and effective set of supports they need to achieve at high academic levels. Teachers at People’s Prep embody the commitment, energy, and heart needed to excel in our classrooms. Teachers who want to work at People’s Prep should expect the job to be challenging—and they should also expect feedback, collaboration, and support from teammates and School Leaders in order to help them meet those challenges. Our teachers serve as models for all People’s Prep students by bringing to life our core values. 

 Qualifications and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
• New Jersey school Special Education certification.
• Firm commitment to and belief in People’s Prep’s mission.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in communicating with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask effectively and prioritize strategically.
• Team orientation.
• Urban classroom experience with evidence of measurable student growth.
• Excellent skills in writing/reviewing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and communicating the contents to diverse audiences.
• Experience compiling and managing special education reporting data.
• Experience managing assessment data and using it to drive instruction and educational decisions.
• Openness to feedback and willingness to take personal responsibility.
• Detail orientated.

Responsibilities

• Develop and/or implement thoughtful lesson plans infused with special education strategies designed to accelerate student progress beyond grade-level competency.
• Collaborate with IEP teams to compose and revise IEPs as necessary to ensure that the needs of special education students are being met.
• Collaborate with all members of the Learning Support, Guidance, and Administrative teams to maintain detailed student IEP and 504 records according to state and federal guidelines.
• Serve as Council Coach (advisor) to a small group of students.
• Use frequent formative and summative assessments and data tracking systems to guide lesson plan development and implementation.
• Communicate with students and their families regularly and proactively.
• Work collaboratively and participate actively at faculty meetings and in professional learning teams.
• Continue to develop professionally to ensure students achieve ongoing improvement in academic achievement, particularly in literacy—regardless of teacher’s content concentration.
• Teach and enforce the school-wide, clearly defined systems, structures, and rules (including before and after school and during transition times).
• Provide individual or small group remedial or enrichment work as necessary.
• Complete administrative tasks in a timely manner.
• Engage fully in a coaching relationship including feedback meetings with the School Leader.