Middle School Special Education Teacher- 6th-8th Grade- 2026/2027 SY

About LEAP:

LEAP Academy University Charter School is a public charter school serving students from infancy through 12th grade in Camden, New Jersey. LEAP provides a rigorous, college-preparatory education with a strong focus on STEM/STEAM and is committed to preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Through its unique partnership with Rutgers University Camden, LEAP offers innovative academic programs and comprehensive support services that empower students, families, and staff. To learn more, visit .

Job Description:

LEAP Academy University Charter School is seeking an experienced, highly qualified, passionate, and dedicated Special Education Teacher to support students with diverse learning needs in achieving academic success. The ideal candidate will provide high-quality, inclusive instruction that promotes student growth while ensuring compliance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Working collaboratively with general education teachers, related service providers, families, and school leadership, the Special Education Teacher will implement evidence-based instructional strategies, monitor student progress toward IEP goals, and foster a supportive, inclusive classroom environment where every student can thrive. This educator will play a key role in ensuring LEAP Academy meets and exceeds the academic performance expectations outlined in the New Jersey Charter School Performance Framework while empowering students to reach their full potential.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Required NJ state teacher certification (New Jersey Standard Certificate, Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) or be eligible for reciprocity with an out-of-state certificate)
• Experience working directly with special education population in an urban classroom setting
• Documented experience using data-driven instruction to achieve significant student gains
• Strong working knowledge of completing and utilizing the IEP Data Collection Toolkit

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design ambitious assignments, learning goals, outcomes, and assessments that require exemplary work from every student; ensuring skill and knowledge is demonstrated from every content lesson.
• Ability to identify and assess students' strengths, needs, and growth of learning goals and outcomes for diverse academic needs including students with disabilities, English language learners, and students who are academically behind.
• Ability to create a learning environment in which the activities, materials, resources, and grouping strategies maximize the teacher-student engagement.
• Work closely with school leaders to analyze student assessment data to measure progress and use data to inform instruction through "real world" applications.
• Ability to create a learning environment where all students demonstrate thorough understanding of content through multiple representations and can apply strategies for solving problems.
• Establish a culture where students learn to take initiative of their own learning discipline.
• Has proven positive classroom management techniques that encourage an overall climate that feels safe and is focused on learning and the respectful exchange of ideas: providing procedures and routines for handling disruptions, proactivity identifying and addressing potential student misbehavior, showing appreciation for each child as an individual.
• Ability to promote active participation of all students that prompts thoughtful responses that demonstration critical thinking and understanding.
• Ability to integrate new knowledge through the encouragement of student engagement within groups; assessing and re-grouping as students are mastering each level.
• Ability to incorporate assessments into effective student feedback; helping students measure their own performance.
• Communicates data and student learning goals and outcomes to students and parents at frequent intervals; building strong home-school relationships.
• Maintains non-instructional records (e.g., attendance, grading, discipline, schedules).
• Committed to ongoing professional development; while modeling, implementing, and supporting initiatives and best practices among colleagues.
• A strong sense of personal accountability for student achievement.

Terms of Employment:

2026/2027 10-month contracted position

Salary Range: Starting at $60,000

Benefits:

At LEAP Academy University Charter School, we are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive, valuable benefits package and the recourses you need to understand all the options available to you. We offer a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, the following:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Enrollment in New Jersey State Pension Program (NJDPB)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Opportunity
• Employee Wellness Recourses

Elevate Your Career, Secure Your Future

At LEAP Academy, you do not just get a job. You gain a powerhouse support network designed to elevate your lifestyle, secure your retirement, and fast-track your leadership potential.

The LEAP Advantage: Why Top Talent Chooses Us

• Day-One Peace of Mind
  Comprehensive health, prescription, dental, and vision insurance fully covering you and your entire family.
• Guaranteed Financial Security
  Secure your future with mandatory enrollment in the highly stable New Jersey State Pension system (TPAF).
• Earn More for Excellence
  Break free from rigid pay scales with up to 5% annual salary increases based on your classroom success.
• Master Your Craft on Our Dime
  Receive over 60 hours of paid annual training, dedicated instructional coaching, and financial support for graduate school.
• Fast-Track Your Leadership
  Skip the corporate ladder with clear, structured pathways that transition top teachers into administrative leaders.
• State-of-the-Art Tools
  Hit the ground running with a premium personal laptop and direct funding to bring your creative classroom projects to life.

"Ignite your passion for teaching, maximize your earning potential, and secure your future with New Jersey's premier education team."