26-27 Middle School Special Education Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

About KIPP New Jersey

KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. In 2002, KIPP New Jersey first opened its doors in Newark’s South Ward as a single class of 80 fifth graders and has since grown to educate 7,035 students in grades K-12 across 18 schools in Newark, Camden, and Paterson. More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals. To learn more, visit 

Here is what you need to know: 
We are seeking awe-inspiring teachers to guide our students as they climb the mountain to college and beyond. Our teachers are dynamic leaders both in and outside of their classroom. They love students, working with families and the community they serve. 

Here’s what you’ll be doing:
Joining our schools as a teacher comes with the opportunity for significant growth and development, but with great power comes great responsibility.  Your role as a teacher will include a number of responsibilities which will include but are not limited to: 

• Create, internalize, modify and prepare lesson plans in accordance with academic curriculum, working closely with the grade level team.
• Use data to responsively teach to mastery of academic skills.
• Work closely with students, families and colleagues to create an environment that is supportive of student progress.
• Reinforce a firm foundation for all classes and uphold classroom management techniques.
• Help with diagnostic and progress monitoring testing across the school
• Monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies to ensure all students meet the learning objectives.
• Update student performance trackers and use data to help guide your lesson plans.
• Participate in school, departmental and parent meetings. 
• Participate in school events, activities

Skills and Mindsets

• A belief in every student’s limitless potential. 
• A track record of success in the classroom.
• Subject matter expertise.
• A demonstrated interest in working with students from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds.
• A collaborative attitude towards teaching and learning.
• A record of exceptional student achievement and results at a high-performing charter network/charter management organization. 
• A belief that all students deserve a world class education which can be achieved through education reform

In order to be eligible for hire, all special education teaching candidates must be eligible for a traditional NJ teaching certification - meaning they meet the following criteria (details below):

• Hold a valid traditional teaching certification in NJ –or–
• Meet GPA Requirement & Content Credit Requirement

GPA Requirement

• If you graduated after September 2016:
  • Have a bachelor’s or master’s GPA on a conferred degree that is ≥ 3.0 –or– 
  • Have a bachelor’s or master’s GPA on a conferred degree that is between 2.75 and 3.0 AND demonstrate that you have passed all required Praxis exams with a +10% passing score (super scores)
• If you graduated before September 2016:
  • Have a bachelor’s or master’s GPA on a conferred degree that is ≥ 2.75 

Content Credit Requirement: 

Have the appropriate content credits on your transcript for your teaching assignment:

• K-6: 60 Liberal Arts Credits
• 7th and 8th Grade: 60 Liberal Arts Credits –and–
  • ELA: 15 ELA Credits
  • Math: 15 Math Credits
  • Science: 15 Science Credits
• Social Studies: 15 Social Studies Credits
• High School ELA: 30 English Credits
• High School Math: 30 Math Credits
• High School Science:
  • Biology: 30 Biology Credits
  • Chemistry: 30 Chemistry Credits
  • Physics: 30 Physics Credits
• High School Social Studies: 30 Social Studies Credits

KIPP NJ offers competitive salaries to newly hired lead teachers. Salaries are based on prior experience and in accordance with certification requirements. KIPP NJ offers a competitive salary range of $65,000-$103,000+ for teacher positions with additional opportunities for earning up to $7,000 annually in performance-based pay.

In addition to a competitive salary, KIPP NJ  offers a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, the following:  

• Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision 
• Participation in the New Jersey Teachers Pension and Annuity Fund, provided appropriate teacher certification
• Optional participation in the KIPP NJ 403b retirement plan, including matching contributions
• A school-issued laptop
• Transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into Newark from the New York City area
• Generous Time-Off including 3.5-4 school vacation weeks (depending on the year), allocated sick and personal days, and an extended summer break 
• Up to 12 weeks 100% parental leave for primary caregivers
• Employer paid life insurance
• Extensive optional ancillary benefits including, short term and long term disability and accident and hospital indemnity

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, national origin, citizen status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our organization will make a reasonable accommodation to known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the organization. No questions on this application are asked for any unlawful purpose.

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