Special Education Resource Room Teacher

Department: SER YouthBuild Learning Academy (SER Metro Charter School) – Youth Services
Location: Samaritan Center – 5555 Conner St, Detroit, MI 48213 (East)
Reports to: Principal
FLSA Status: Exempt/Salaried – Full-Time Regular

About the role

Provides special education services to Special Education students in a high school setting. Develops educational plans that align with students’ needs and coordinates student and parent meetings in accordance with special education and IDEA requirements.

About SER YouthBuild Learning Academy

SYLA is a charter high school for youth ages 14–21. Its model combines classroom instruction by certified teachers with trade-based learning, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and self-discipline to become successful citizens in a global society. At SYLA, you will join a team committed to this mission and making a real impact in young people’s lives.

Responsibilities

• Encourage students to set and maintain high standards of classroom behavior and academic achievement.
• Stay current with developments in Special Education curriculum, instruction, law, and regulations; share updates with Principals and student-services staff.
• Prepare and attend Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with special education regulations in all student files.
• Implement and maintain a working Child Study process in assigned school(s).
• Collaborate with Title I Coordinators to review and create action plans for intervention programs.
• Model positive customer service and teamwork with staff and school employees.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Follow procedures for safe storage and integrity of all public and confidential school records.
• Demonstrate the highest ethical and professional behavior when working with students, parents, and school personnel.
• Report incidents of violence, vandalism, attendance, and discipline matters to the Assistant Principal or Principal.
• Immediately notify appropriate personnel and agencies of evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide, or students appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
• Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, networking with colleagues, attending professional-development courses, and completing required training.
• Refrain from personal cell phone and Internet use during class hours.
• Perform other related tasks and assume other related responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in special education or a related field.
• Special Education Certification (required).
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with a K-12 endorsement in an area of special education.
• Ability to lead and consult within the special education department.
• Experience conducting IEPs, state reporting, and documentation.
• Three or more years of work experience with special education students.
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with Special Education compliance under MDE and Federal regulations.
• Proficiency with technology and Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to interact positively and productively with students, parents, and staff.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to work a variable schedule as required.
• Valid Michigan Driver’s License and reliable transportation to travel to off-site locations.
• Successful completion of FBI fingerprinting, criminal background check, and unprofessional-conduct check.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Regularly required to see, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit for extended periods, and use hands, arms, and fingers to operate phones, computers, keyboards, and other office equipment.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds.

Work Environment

• Operates in a typical school environment; noise levels may be moderately loud at times.
• Routine use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.