Special Education Teacher

About Us

Founded in 2023, Paterson Prep Charter School is a free public charter school currently serving over 375 students in grades K-2 and 5-6. As a growing school, we plan to expand by adding one grade each year to both our elementary and middle school programs until we reach full enrollment for grades K-8. Next year, we will serve grades K-3 and 5-7.

Paterson Prep is committed to educating students to lead lives of excellence, integrity, and purpose through a content-rich curriculum, inquiry-driven instruction, and a strong focus on character development. Our holistic approach ensures high academic expectations while fostering a joyful and inclusive community that respects the dignity of every student, staff member, and family. We recognize that families are a child’s first and most important educators, and this belief is central to our educational philosophy. By actively partnering with families, we create a supportive learning environment that nurtures both academic success and personal growth.

Join us in shaping bright futures and making a meaningful impact in the lives of our students and the greater Paterson community.

Position Overview

As a Special Education Teacher, you will play a key role in delivering a content-rich, inquiry-driven curriculum while fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and character development. In this role, you will provide high-quality whole-group and small-group instruction, tailor lessons to meet the diverse needs of students, and support a joyful, structured learning environment. You will also mentor and collaborate with fellow educators, ensuring strong instructional practices and student success. We seek educators who are committed to rigorous academics, value strong family partnerships, and are eager to grow professionally in a supportive, mission-driven community. If you are passionate about shaping young minds and making a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply!

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

Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited institution

Excellent spoken and written communication skills

Possession of current New Jersey Students with Disabilities certification (required)

Relevant urban, middle school teaching experience with demonstrated student results (preferred)

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

The base pay range for this position starts at $69,000 per year. Pay may vary, depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, we provide access to the NJ pension system and a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, depending on the position offered.