Special Education Teacher (Emotional Impairment)

Kent Intermediate School District • Grand Rapids, MI

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher provides structured, innovative instruction to high school students and works to meet individual student needs through evidence-based assessment, instruction, intervention, and program design. The teacher collaborates with school and program staff to provide specially designed instruction in the areas identified in each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

This is a 182-day position subject to the rules and regulations covering KIEA teachers. The role includes assessing students’ learning, behavior, communication, and academic, social, and emotional functioning; planning and delivering individualized educational programs; adapting curricula and learning environments; developing and monitoring behavior supports; maintaining student records and progress data; and preparing compliant IEPs. The teacher also directs assigned Instructional Support Specialists and collaborates with parents, service providers, and other instructional and support personnel.

The salary range is $54,386–$79,339, commensurate with education and experience. The benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick and personal days; participation in the State of Michigan School Employment retirement program; and eligibility for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program for qualifying federal student loans. The final candidate must furnish a current Michigan State Police and FBI criminal records LiveScan check at their own cost before the District’s recommendation to hire.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education from an accredited university.
• Special Education Certification with an Emotional Impairment Endorsement.
• Ability to provide Highly Qualified (HQ) status.
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification.
• Ability to integrate technology into the curriculum.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly in spoken and written language.
• Ability to work constructively with parents, students, and staff.
• Willingness to participate in all phases of the instructional program.
• Must pass the criminal background check required by School Safety Legislation.
• Final candidate must provide a current Michigan State Police and FBI criminal records LiveScan check at their own cost before the District’s recommendation to hire.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated success in special education or support services working with emotional impairment classrooms; grades 9–12 preferred.
• Experience delivering instruction in subject-area content.
• Experience working in Center Programs.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development and promotion of the special education philosophy of service and delivery.
• Evaluate students’ learning, behavior, and communication skills using formalized assessments.
• Plan comprehensive educational programs to develop academic, communication, social, and community skills for assigned students.
• Develop individual instructional objectives based on assessment and applicable content expectations, and update them as students acquire skills.
• Provide direct instruction in academic, communication, social, and transition skills.
• Collect, maintain, and analyze data on students’ acquisition of functional, community-referenced skills.
• Coordinate curriculum and instructional programs with instructional and support personnel to encourage integrated team services.
• Use functional behavior assessment to develop Positive Behavior Support Plans in accordance with district policies and program procedures.
• Maintain daily anecdotal records of students.
• Direct Instructional Support Specialists assigned to the program or classroom.
• Develop timely and compliant IEPs for eligible students.
• Document and share student progress on goals, objectives, accommodations, service time, and discipline or suspensions for students on the caseload.
• Maintain an electronic log of students’ goals, objectives, accommodations, and other IEP-related services.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized behavior management strategies and plans.
• Adapt, accommodate, and modify general education curricula, teaching methods, and learning environments for students with emotional impairments.
• Integrate academic instruction and curriculum with affective educational strategies for students with emotional impairments.
• Collaborate with parents and educational, public, and private agency service providers to support students with emotional impairments.
• Collect direct and indirect data on students’ academic, social, and emotional functioning to prepare reports and design, manage, and monitor interventions.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties as appropriate and determined by the Principal/Administrator.

Benefits

• Full medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid sick days
• Paid personal days
• State of Michigan School Employment retirement program
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness program participation for eligible federal student loans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level