2026-27 Special Education Teacher

Waverly Community Schools•Lansing, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for planning instruction and/or adaptation of the education program to enable students to benefit from educational experiences. Reports to the building principal for school and student-related matters, and to the Director of Special Services for general direction regarding students and/or programs. This role involves instructing individuals and groups in special education skill areas, planning curriculum, lessons, and specially designed instruction, and maintaining a safe and welcoming physical environment. The teacher will evaluate student progress, prepare various reports and forms, and participate in multidisciplinary and individualized education plan team meetings. Additionally, the role includes assisting with the development and implementation of Functional Behavioral Assessments and Plans, promoting communication and collaboration with staff and parents, and completing all required paperwork. The position also requires participation in assigned in-service training and staff meetings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education with endorsement in at least one area of special education (ASD or CI preferred)
Current appropriate Michigan special education teaching certification
Demonstrated understanding of current research as to how children learn and the ability to motivate student to perform at their best
Demonstrated competency in the administration and interpretation of academic testing and development of behavior support plans
Demonstrated ability to work in an economically, culturally, and racially diverse environment
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing
Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction, by using a variety of styles, and inspire mixed culture and ability classes by creating challenging and engaging learning opportunities for all students
Demonstrated ability to participate as a member of the team
Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse and demanding workload
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community
Ability to speak clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication
Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies
Ability to demonstrate the character traits of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring when interacting with staff, students, and community members

Responsibilities

Instructs individuals and groups in special education skill areas
Plans curriculum, lessons, and specially designed instruction
Maintains a safe and welcoming physical environment
Evaluates student progress based on work output and observation, determines goals, objectives and directions
Prepares report cards, educational records, IEP forms, classroom observation records, and other forms
Participates as a member of Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET)
Chairs and/or participates as a member of Individualized Education Plan Team (IEPT)
Assists with development/implementation of Functional Behavioral Assessment and Plan
Promotes communication and collaboration with staff on behalf of the students on caseload
Completes all paperwork as required
Promotes communication and collaboration with parents of students on caseload
Participates in all assigned In-Service training and staff meetings
Develop Individualized Education Program(s) for students based on evaluation data and research based practices
Support student learning in the least restrictive environment
Differentiate instruction to ensure student’s progress
Document student progress on goals and objectives, accommodations, service time, and discipline/suspensions
Collaborate with all service providers, general education teachers and other staff to assist in providing support and documentation for the implementation and review of existing evaluation data (REED) process
Provide support to general education classroom teachers
Develop implement and evaluate the effectiveness of behavior support plans
Participate in special education/building/district meetings
Log and maintain monthly Service Capture reporting requirements for Medicaid Billing and to document students’ goals and objectives, accommodations, and other IEP related services
Participate and support implementation of interventions in the Student Success Team process as appropriate per building principal and/or special education supervisor
Participate in implementation of positive behavior support initiative (PBIS) building initiatives
Integrate technology use in the classroom
Make and maintain regular, positive contact with parents via phone calls, email and/or home visits including communicating student progress
Establish and maintain effective written and oral communication and rapport with students, parents and colleagues
Participate in parent meetings, including IEP’s and Parent/Teacher Conferences
Contribute to the development of a positive attitude between the school and the wider community through cooperative relations, publications, competitions, etc.
Display physical, social, mental and emotional soundness in order to execute the duties of job
Serve as a role model for all students and within school community
Interact with co-workers, administration, students, parents and the community in positive, supportive and cooperative ways
Encourage the team spirit and contribute as a team member in the decision making processes of the school as facilitated by the building administrator
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required
Contribute to extra-curricular activities and school programs, including recess duty as requested
Maintain and promote school district goals and objectives
Comply with state, federal and District policies, procedures, rules, and the union contract
Regular and on-time attendance is required
Other duties as assigned