Special Education Teacher - BSP (2026-2027 school year)

Michigan City Area Schools•Michigan City, IN

About The Position

Provides an educational program for students with emotional and behavioral needs. Works cooperatively with the classroom teachers who have students with emotional disabilities or behavioral needs in their general education classes, interpreting the abilities and disabilities of these students, assisting in classroom intervention strategies, and assisting the student with regular education class assignments. Communicates regularly with parents and professional staff regarding the educational, social, and personal needs of the student. Participates as a member of the Special Education Building Team. Assists in screening, evaluating, and making recommendations regarding the placement and program for these students. Develops and implements an individualized education program and behavior plan for each child complimentary to his/her educational, social and emotional strengths and weaknesses as defined through the evaluation and I.E.P. process. Completes necessary reports and daily record keeping as required by state and local policies and procedures. Consults with administrative and supervisory personnel regarding progress and problems of students in the program. Implements a system of tracking and evaluating students’ academic and social performance on a daily basis. Demonstrates effective behavioral strategies for students placed in the program. Ensures appropriate accommodations to the curriculum, lessons and learning environment. Instruction can be provided within the regular classroom setting, resource setting, or small classroom setting. Formally and informally assess the student learning (rather than relying solely on standardized curriculum) to create a comprehensive learning program. Set high expectations that are suitable for the students. Assessments may be differentiated based on each individual student plan. This may require developing alternative assessments. Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities. Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities. Identify and select different instructional resources and methods to meet students' varying needs. Use relevant technology to support instruction. Observe and evaluate student's performance and development. Manage student behavior by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures. Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of the school. Provide guidance and direction to classroom support staff. Conduct case conferences (initial, annual, other) as required. Interpret assessment results for parents and, where appropriate, for students and school staff. Assist in the development of other components of students' developmental, health and social history as required. Serve as a resource and collaborate with outside agencies as appropriate. Provide in-service training and make recommendations for parents and support staff on special education issues. Complete DOE required annual assessments (i.e., IAM, ILEARN). Attend and participate in special education staff meetings. Participate in extracurricular activities such as social activities, sporting activities, clubs and student organizations. Keep up to date with developments in subject area, teaching resources and methods and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
Meet professional teacher education requirements of Michigan City Area Schools and State of Indiana
Possess or be eligible for Indiana certification
Relevant endorsement is required (eg Mild Disabilities, Moderate Disabilities, etc.)
Relevant teaching or student teaching experience

Responsibilities

Provides an educational program for students with emotional and behavioral needs.
Works cooperatively with the classroom teachers who have students with emotional disabilities or behavioral needs in their general education classes, interpreting the abilities and disabilities of these students, assisting in classroom intervention strategies, and assisting the student with regular education class assignments.
Communicates regularly with parents and professional staff regarding the educational, social, and personal needs of the student.
Participates as a member of the Special Education Building Team.
Assists in screening, evaluating, and making recommendations regarding the placement and program for these students.
Develops and implements an individualized education program and behavior plan for each child complimentary to his/her educational, social and emotional strengths and weaknesses as defined through the evaluation and I.E.P. process.
Completes necessary reports and daily record keeping as required by state and local policies and procedures.
Consults with administrative and supervisory personnel regarding progress and problems of students in the program.
Implements a system of tracking and evaluating students’ academic and social performance on a daily basis.
Demonstrates effective behavioral strategies for students placed in the program.
Ensure appropriate accommodations to the curriculum, lessons and learning environment.
Formally and informally assess the student learning (rather than relying solely on standardized curriculum) to create a comprehensive learning program.
Set high expectations that are suitable for the students.
Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.
Identify and select different instructional resources and methods to meet students' varying needs.
Use relevant technology to support instruction.
Observe and evaluate student's performance and development.
Manage student behavior by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of the school.
Provide guidance and direction to classroom support staff.
Conduct case conferences (initial, annual, other) as required.
Interpret assessment results for parents and, where appropriate, for students and school staff.
Assist in the development of other components of students' developmental, health and social history as required.
Serve as a resource and collaborate with outside agencies as appropriate.
Provide in-service training and make recommendations for parents and support staff on special education issues.
Complete DOE required annual assessments (i.e., IAM, ILEARN).
Attend and participate in special education staff meetings.
Participate in extracurricular activities such as social activities, sporting activities, clubs and student organizations.
Keep up to date with developments in subject area, teaching resources and methods and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities.