Special Education Teacher (Grades 2–3)

Full-Time | September 2026 Start
Honor Ridge Academy – Clark, New Jersey

Honor Ridge Academy is seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and dynamic Special Education Teacher to lead a self-contained classroom serving students in 2nd and 3rd grade. Our private special education school serves students in grades K–12 with social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges in a highly structured, therapeutic educational environment.

This is an eleven½-month position, which includes a 10-month school year and a 6-week Extended School Year (ESY) program during the summer.

Why Join Honor Ridge Academy?

At Honor Ridge Academy, we believe that our greatest strength is our people. We foster a collaborative, supportive, and respectful culture where teachers are valued as professionals and encouraged to grow. Our multidisciplinary team—including administrators, BCBAs, counselors, therapists, nurses, and instructional support staff—works together to provide students with individualized, therapeutic, and academically challenging programs. We are committed to creating an environment where both students and staff can thrive, celebrate successes, and make a meaningful difference every day.

Position Summary

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for designing and delivering individualized instruction while fostering a safe, structured, and supportive classroom environment. The ideal candidate is committed to helping students achieve academic, behavioral, and social-emotional success through positive relationships, consistency, and evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices.

Essential Responsibilities

Instruction and Educational Planning

• Implement each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), including academic, behavioral, and social-emotional goals and objectives.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the individual learning needs of each student.
• Develop engaging lesson plans aligned with New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
• Monitor student progress through ongoing assessment and data collection.
• Prepare quarterly report cards and IEP progress reports.
• Participate in IEP meetings, annual reviews, and district meetings, contributing meaningful recommendations for student programming.
• Maintain accurate and timely educational records in compliance with state and school requirements.

Classroom Management and Therapeutic Support

• Create and maintain a structured, predictable, and trauma-informed classroom environment.
• Utilize positive behavioral interventions and support to promote student success.
• Demonstrate effective de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavior management techniques while maintaining a calm, patient, and professional demeanor. Build positive, trusting relationships with students and support learners with social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs through trauma-informed practices, positive behavioral interventions, and individualized instruction.
• Work collaboratively with the BCBA and behavioral support team to implement behavior intervention plans.
• Partner with occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, counselors, and related service providers to integrate therapeutic goals into classroom instruction.
• Maintain high expectations while supporting students in developing self-regulation, coping, and problem-solving skills.

Collaboration and Communication

• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and guardians regarding student progress and classroom updates.
• Provide clear leadership, direction, and support to classroom paraprofessionals and one-to-one aides.
• Collaborate with administration, clinicians, and multidisciplinary team members to ensure consistency across educational and therapeutic programming.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings, professional development, and team-based student reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field.
• Valid New Jersey Teacher Certification:
  • Elementary School Teacher (K–6 or K–8) and Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD); or
  • Teacher of the Handicapped (TOH) certification.
• Experience working with students with social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs is preferred.
• Strong classroom management, communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move quickly to respond during behavioral crises when necessary.
• Ability to assist with classroom activities that may require lifting, bending, standing, or moving educational materials.
• Ability to safely implement approved crisis intervention procedures in accordance with school training and policies.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• 401(k)
• 401(k) Employer Match
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Monday through Friday
• Eleven½-Month Position (includes a 6-week ESY program)
• In-Person
• September 2026 Start

If you are passionate about helping students overcome challenges, achieve success, and reach their fullest potential, we invite you to become part of the Honor Ridge Academy team. Together, we empower students to build confidence, develop resilience, and create brighter futures.