Special Education Teacher – Transition Classroom

Marquette-Alger RESA•Marquette, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher (Transition) designs and implements specialized instruction for young adults ages 18–26 with developmental and physical disabilities. The role focuses on fostering social competence, economic independence, and community integration. Working across classroom, community, and job-site environments, the teacher leads a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement outcome-based IEPs that help students become confident, productive community members. The primary work environment is a specialized classroom within a residential care facility (Teaching Family Homes). The setting may range from quiet instruction to a loud, high-stress environment, and the position involves direct work with adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral disabilities. The teacher collaborates closely with residential staff, classroom aides, and therapy providers to support student safety and services. Occasional travel for professional activities using a personal vehicle may be required. This is a full-time position reporting to the Special Education Supervisor. Compensation and benefits are according to the Marquette-Alger RESA MEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Regular and reliable attendance, performance, and the physical ability to perform the job are required.

Requirements

Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with a K–12 special education endorsement.
Proven experience developing, implementing, and data-tracking IEPs.
Demonstrated ability to individualize instruction and lead a collaborative educational team.
Must maintain Handle with Care (HWC) certification and be physically capable of completing crisis intervention training and safely implementing approved restraint or escort procedures.
Must have regular and reliable attendance, performance, and the physical ability to perform the job.
Ability to deal fairly with issues, treat diverse populations and personalities with dignity and respect, and act ethically.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while remaining flexible, take initiative, and work independently.
Professional appearance and a professional, positive attitude.
Frequently walk, stand, sit, kneel, crouch, stoop, and reach; ability to move quickly in response to student crises or run after a student if necessary.
Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds regularly, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Physical capability, core strength, and balance to complete Handle with Care crisis intervention training and safely implement approved physical restraint or escort procedures when a student poses immediate danger to themselves or others.
Close, distance, peripheral, and depth vision, and ability to adjust focus to monitor classroom safety; clear speaking and sharp hearing to communicate in a dynamic group environment.
May require occasional travel for professional activities using a personal vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Endorsement in Cognitive Impairment (SA) and/or Autism (SV).
Experience teaching at the secondary level and in work-based learning (WBL).
Knowledge of local school districts in Marquette and Alger counties.
Expertise in Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS).

Responsibilities

Organize and manage a transition-focused educational environment, including guiding paraprofessionals and related service personnel on daily activities and scheduling.
Maintain timely documentation of student attendance, progress monitoring, and service logs in accordance with state, federal, and district mandates.
Design and implement instruction in classroom, job-site, and community environments focused on independent living, vocational training and career preparation, recreation and leisure, community resource navigation, communication, and social skills.
Collaborate with and lead the IEP team to develop measurable, longitudinal, outcome-based goals and provide regular progress reports according to statutory timelines.
Develop and use positive behavior management techniques; implement individualized behavior intervention plans; and maintain Handle with Care (HWC) certification.
Communicate proactively with parents, guardians, and community agencies to support continuity of services.
Administer medication as scheduled and document medical information according to policy.
Attend in-service and refresher courses to update teaching skills and remain current in the professional area.
Support students in using public transportation, including waiting with students for the Marq-Tran Bus in all weather conditions.
Participate in team meetings, parent conferences, and agency staff meetings.
Maintain confidentiality of Marquette-Alger RESA and LEA affairs and privileged or sensitive student and staff information.
Perform other duties as assigned.