Special Education Teacher - SPARK

Location: Westview Lower Elementary School • Work year: 2026-2027

About the role

Special Education Teacher for the SPARK Program (Sparking Potential with Academics & Relationships in Kids), supporting students with social, communication, and executive-functioning difficulties who may also have a diagnosis of Autism.

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with a special-education endorsement
• Experience teaching and supporting students with social, communication, and executive-functioning difficulties
• Experience working with students in groups and individually, in classroom and other settings
• Ability to complete and maintain required records, forms, and reports professionally and on time
• Ability to develop an IEP based on data that is appropriate to the needs of the student
• Ability to cooperatively participate in Child Study Teams, team evaluations, and IEPs
• Ability to work independently and to contribute as a member of a team
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate behavior plans for all education settings
• Understanding of behavioral-intervention techniques, including use of data from functional behavior analysis to guide behavior-intervention supports
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program
• Ability to develop and modify curriculum with emphasis on personal adjustment, regulation of emotions, communication, social skills, and academics
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to meet multiple demands from several people and interact daily with students, the public, and staff
• Physical and mental stamina to withstand the rigors of teaching
• Competencies: establishing and maintaining relationships, adapting to changing priorities, maintaining confidentiality, exhibiting tact and patience, working flexible hours

Responsibilities

• Teach and consult with general-education teachers, modifying curricula with appropriate accommodations and strategies for students with IEPs in both general-education and special-education settings
• Collaborate on course planning, skill assessment, and instruction
• Provide case-management services to students with IEPs
• Ensure all students on caseload are educated in the least restrictive environment and participate with non-disabled peers to the fullest extent possible
• Participate in professional development and implement best practices
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to student maturity and interests
• Administer and develop subject-specific assessments to gauge student competency and develop individual learning plans
• Assess student progress toward objectives, expectations, and goals; provide feedback to students, parents, and administration
• Manage student behavior to provide a safe and optimal learning environment
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations
• Accommodate students with learning difficulties, seeking assistance from district specialists as needed
• Encourage students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration

Pay

Per FEA Contract