Position Details

SUMMARY:

The role of the Special Education Teacher is to design and provide specialized instruction in academic curricula, social competence, and independence for students at the secondary level with emotional/behavioral disabilities and challenges. The Special Education Teacher works collaboratively with the education team, including parents, to develop/implement quality individualized educational programs (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with K-12 special education endorsement

Experience and familiarity with development and implementation of IEPs

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement curriculum (academic and behavioral) for students

Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member

Demonstrated ability to individualize instruction to meet unique student needs

Demonstrated knowledge and skill in commonly used approaches to educating students at risk

Demonstrated ability to implement behavior intervention strategies PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: K-12 special education endorsement in Emotional Impairments (EI)

Experience teaching students at the secondary level with significant behavioral health needs

Experience implementing behavior intervention plans with fidelity

Experience in utilizing using assessment and progress monitoring data to inform instruction and create individual student learning and behavior plans

Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member

Knowledge of and experience with the MTSS framework, positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), response to intervention (RTI), social-emotional learning (SEL), restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, and family engagement

Strong interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, classroom management and organizational skills Demonstrated ability to work effectively with parents/guardians, local school districts, teachers, administration, and community partners to provide a continuum of supports for students

Demonstrated ability to work as a lead teacher with paraprofessional staff to effectively organize and implement differentiated instruction, including both academic and social/emotional/behavioral ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Serve as and complete all responsibilities as Teacher of Record at the Day Treatment Program for students with emotional/behavioral disabilities and challenges

Organize and manage an educational environment that incorporates students, classroom aides, and therapy providers

Design, revise and maintain lesson plans and instructional activities developed from student IEP goals/objectives and that support the implementation of behavior intervention plans

Implement student IEPs utilizing teaching methods, materials and adaptations appropriate to meet individual student needs

Collaborate with team members to develop and modify goals/objectives on student IEPs and behavior intervention plans; ensure that goals/objectives are outcome based, longitudinal and measurable

Understand, develop and utilize behavioral management concepts/techniques and positive behavior support plans to meet the unique needs of each student

Provide instruction and reinforcement of communication skills and techniques, both verbal and non-verbal, as deemed appropriate for each student

Demonstrate team leadership skills for all classroom staff and student service providers

Collaborate with and identify as part of a team to problem solve and report on student progress

Provide medication to students as needed and report pertinent medical information as required

Maintain communication with parents/guardians, itinerants, and community agency personnel to provide the optimal individual program for students

Use procedures and tools for data gathering, analysis, and reporting, as well as use a variety of data for informing instruction and other decisions

Self-direct and prioritize among competing goals, exhibit flexibility, and drive results

Complete Handle With Care training, and participate in annual recertification

Attend in-service and refresher courses to increase and update teaching skills and to remain current

Participate in team meetings, parent conferences, and Agency staff meetings

Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds such as books and teaching material or when assisting in student interventions

Perform other duties as assigned OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Proficiency in computer/software use including Google Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom

Demonstrated experience exercising confidentiality and sound judgment in dealing with local districts, staff, students, and operations

Ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, and maintain proactive communication with stakeholders

Ability to deal with issues in a fair manner, treat diverse populations and personalities with dignity and respect, and act in a highly ethical manner

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment yet maintain flexibility in thinking and actions

Must demonstrate initiative and the ability to work independently

Ability to lift and/or move 50 pounds

Professional appearance; professional and positive attitude SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Must keep the affairs of Marquette-Alger RESA and LEAs confidential at all times

Must uphold confidentiality of privileged and sensitive student/staff information

May require occasional travel for professional activities using personal vehicle TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time, academic-year position starting in January 2024. Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job

REPORTS TO: Program Administrator – Specialized Classrooms

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: According to Marquette-Alger RESA MEA Collective Bargaining Agreement

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.