Special Education ASD Teacher - High School

Oakland Schools•Oak Park, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education teacher serves students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and who have a variety of abilities. The teacher provides both core academic instruction and specially designed instruction to support students in both the general and special education setting. The teacher will use a variety of instructional strategies and behavior modifications to support students to meet their individual goals and beyond, as outlined in their IEPs. Oak Park School District (OPSD) is committed to a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement through aligned and meaningful professional development, a partnership with Oakland ISD services, data teams to drive instructional decisions and best practices and a relentless focus on the whole child. OPSD is looking for a special education teacher who is intrinsically motivated; who have a deep desire to grow professionally; who believe children deserve to learn in an environment least restrictive and with the highest level of cultural competence; who are committed to providing children with boundless opportunities; and who understand that initiative, rigor and grit are essential to be a great special education teacher leader in the 21st Century.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Valid Michigan Teaching Certification with a Special Education ASD (SV) endorsement.

Nice To Haves

Teaching experience with students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) at the secondary grade level.
A strong commitment to educating students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment, as demonstrated by experience with co-teaching or other collaborative delivery models.
Skilled in a variety of flexible behavior management strategies.
Experience with implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).
Proficient in the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and compliance laws.
Proficient in the Seclusion and Restraint Michigan Department of Education law.
Demonstrated ability to provide instructional leadership for all learners with an IEP.
Experience with a diverse student and parent population.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

Create an inviting and nurturing classroom that meets the needs of all learners academically, culturally, socially and emotionally.
Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and professionals to develop individual education plans designed to promote students’ educational, physical, and social development.
Implement Individualized Education Programs (IEP) with highest level of integrity and fidelity.
Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream or co-teaching classes.
Collaborate, create and implement rigorous lessons that are engaging, meaningful and aligned with the students’ IEP, the district and state standards by grade and subject matter.
Assist in all content areas and implement the curriculum.
Modify the general education curriculum for special needs students, based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
Utilize evidence based on “best practices” to facilitate the prescribed curriculum for participating students with language problems.
Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
Use multiple assessments to measure, determine and support student growth and development throughout the school year.
Assist special needs students in the assessment and evaluation measures required by the district.
Demonstrate creativity and innovativeness in teaching styles to assist special needs students with problem solving and higher order thinking skills.
Maintain up-to-date grading for immediate student feedback and to inform instructional strategies to meet student needs of each student.
Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on students’ activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
Establish clear expectations, routines, ownership and engaging lesson plans to provide a safe environment for optimal academic, social and emotional growth.
Build and maintain positive partnerships with parent/guardians to maximize student support.
Complete monthly Medicaid billing in a timely and accurate fashion.
Complete all annual, and re-evaluation individualized educational plans within the required district established timeline.
Participate in professional development opportunities that are aligned with special education, the district and school’s mission, vision and goals.
Be an active member of the school community through, Professional Learning Communities, various building and district committee work, the School Improvement Team and other leadership opportunities as presented.
Engage with student activities outside of the school day that supports the programming and traditions of the building and district.
Other assignments as provided by the principal or designee.
Provide an educational program that meets the educational needs of each student.
Develop, implement, communicate and monitor IEPs per the law and OPSD standards.
Provide instructional guidance which is consistent with District expectations and which meets the educational needs of all students.
Communicate with students, parents, administrators and other staff members in a professional manner which is consistent with District and school expectations.
Plan, implement, record data and create reports consistent with District, State and Federal mandates.
Provide supervision which ensures a safe and nurturing work environment.
Manage of time, equipment, and materials efficiently and maintain a physical and emotional environment that is well-organized and student centered.