High School Special Education Teacher

 

THE ROLE

LEAD Charter School seeks an exceptional Special Education Teacher to join our mission-driven community. Our goal is to transform equity through opportunities for young people in Newark. Our innovative model re-engages students through active participation in rigorous, relevant content and standards-driven, competency-based instruction aligned with market demands. Reporting to the Head of School, teachers at LEAD embody commitment, energy, and passion, facing challenges with the support, feedback, and collaboration of teammates and school leaders.

 

WHO WE ARE

The mission of LEAD is to enable students ages 16-21 in grades 9-12 to master essential skills for success in careers, postsecondary education, and community leadership within a global society. We implement the Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN) school model, supporting the unique academic and non-academic needs of students who have disengaged from traditional schooling. At LEAD Charter School, we are a vibrant school community that holds an unwavering belief in the power of young people to transform their lives and their communities. We are dedicated practitioners of research-based youth development practices and systems, ensuring every student receives a tailored, personalized, and strengths-based learning experience. As passionate advocates of opportunity youth, we strive to provide the necessary support and opportunities for our students to succeed.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAY

"Being at LEAD has accelerated my career trajectory in ways that I could never imagine. I feel valued, supported, and empowered."

• 100% of LEAD staff feel they are trusted as professionals.
• 96% of LEAD staff feel supported in their work and professional development.
• 95% of LEAD staff feel they're treated with respect
• 91% of LEAD staff say supervisors encourage feedback and suggestions

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Valid New Jersey Teacher Grade 9-12 Certification or Certificate of Eligibility in Special Education..
• Demonstrated success in raising student achievement with underserved populations
• Strong commitment to youth and ability to work effectively with parents.
• Successful in creating collaborative relationships or coalitions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including use of office productivity software.
• Robust analytical skills, with an ability to use data to drive student achievement.
• Capacity to personalize instruction through differentiation, including use of blended learning.
• Required criminal history background check, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident status & NJ residency.

 

HOW YOU WILL THRIVE

• Professional Development: Weekly half-day sessions tailored to support your professional growth.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities to develop and lead school initiatives and engage in career planning for growth and trajectory.
• Supportive Environment: Work with a dedicated, talented, and supportive staff and empowered school leaders.
• Impact: Contribute to a mission that transforms equity through opportunity for young people in Newark.
• Career Bonus: Yearly Resigning Bonus

BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off 
• Health Care Plan
• Enrollment in NJ Pension 
• HealthEquity (Employer paid HRA debit card)
• 100% Employer Paid Long Term Disability
• 100% Employer Paid Talkspace Access
• Metlife Legal Plan & Identity Protection
• Laptop & Supplies for all staff members
• Training & Professional Development

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plans, in accordance with established procedures both a program of study and lessons which are consistent with the approved course of study and which meet the individual needs, interests and abilities of students.
2. Implements by instruction and action the School’s philosophy and the State and School’s instructional goals.
3. Ensures satisfactory pupil progress and growth toward stated objectives of instruction.
4. Employs instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated objectives including positive attitudes toward learning.
5. Develops effective procedures for the management of the classroom and following school routines.
6. Establishes and maintains appropriate student behavior in the classroom, school building and school grounds and exercises due care for the health, safety and well-being of the students in accordance with the philosophy and rules of the school.
7. Assesses pupils in accordance with School testing policy and program, interprets the results and utilizes the information obtained for planning instruction, for reporting student progress, and for improving curriculum.
8. Assists in curriculum development and in the selection of books, equipment and other instructional materials.
9. Works toward professional growth and meets the role model standards of a professional educator.
10. Maintains cordial and workable professional and social relationships with other members of the professional and non-professional staff and with students, parents and community members.
11. Displays 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.
12. Confers with students and parents to foster a constructive student-teacher and parent-teacher relationship.
13. Accurately maintains appropriate student records and submits required reports within designated time limits.
14. Effectively contributes in a reasonable manner to the overall after school functions and student activities.
15. Gives proper attention to the care and protection of school property and uses material economically.
16. Adheres to and promotes the philosophy and objectives of the school, the administrative staff and the Board of Education and interprets the policies and program of the school in a positive and constructive manner.
17. Performs such other duties as may be assigned by the administrative staff in accordance with the contractual agreement or policies of the Board of Trustees.

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Ten-month employee.
• Salary to be recommended by the Head of School and approved by the board.

 

EVALUATION

• Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the board's policy on evaluation.