Special Education Teacher - Teaching Family Homes

About the Role

The Special Education Teacher designs and provides specialized instruction in academic curricula, social competence, and independence for students with emotional/behavioral disabilities and challenges. This role involves collaborating with the education team to develop and implement quality individualized educational programs (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans.

Responsibilities

• Serve as and complete all responsibilities as Teacher of Record at Teaching Family Homes residential facility.
• Instruct students in a classroom setting, in small groups, and on an individual basis in academic and non-academic subjects to promote educational and social-emotional learning goals.
• Deliver differentiated educational content in all subjects based on the academic levels of current students/residents (approximately 12-17 years of age).
• Organize and manage an educational environment that incorporates students, classroom aides, and therapy providers.
• Design, revise, and maintain lesson plans and instructional activities developed from student IEP goals/objectives and that support the implementation of behavior intervention plans.
• Monitor the progress and performance of students in class activities while adjusting educational programming to meet individual needs.
• Coordinate and administer required testing, as well as high school equivalency testing when appropriate.
• Proactively contribute as an interdisciplinary team member within the context of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), including development, planning, implementation, and follow-up.
• Implement student IEPs utilizing teaching methods, materials, and adaptations appropriate to meet individual student needs.
• Collaborate with team members to report on student progress according to the established timelines.
• Understand, develop, and utilize basic behavioral management concepts/techniques and positive behavior support plans to meet the unique needs of each student.
• Manage classroom, maintaining order and discipline within the educational setting.
• Demonstrate team leadership skills for all classroom staff and student service providers.
• Act as liaison with school officials to coordinate with students’ home districts.
• Facilitate online and blended learning opportunities for students.
• Maintain strong lines of communication with TFH staff, itinerant service providers, and students’ home districts to provide the optimal program for each student.
• Participate in staff meetings, providing insights into the activities in the classroom and the students’ engagement.
• Maintain up-to-date files, records, and documentation in compliance with state, federal, and administrative regulations.
• Attend in-service and refresher courses to increase/update teaching skills and to remain current in professional area.
• Use procedures and tools for data gathering, analysis, and reporting, as well as use a variety of data for informing instruction and other decisions.
• Complete Handle With Care training and participate in annual recertification.
• Participate in team meetings, parent conferences, and Agency staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with K-12 special education endorsement.
• Experience and familiarity with development and implementation of IEPs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement curriculum (academic and behavioral) for students.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member.
• Demonstrated ability to individualize instruction to meet unique student needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in commonly used approaches for educating students at risk.
• Demonstrated ability to implement behavior intervention strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

• K-12 special education endorsement in Emotional Impairments (EI).
• Experience teaching students with significant behavioral health needs.
• Experience implementing behavior intervention plans with fidelity.
• Experience in utilizing assessment and progress monitoring data to inform instruction and create individual student learning and behavior plans.
• Knowledge of and experience with the MTSS framework, positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), response to intervention (RTI), social-emotional learning (SEL), restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, and family engagement.
• Strong interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills, classroom management, and organizational skills.

Skills

• Proficiency in computer/software use including Google Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom.
• Demonstrated experience exercising confidentiality and sound judgment in dealing with local districts, staff, students, and operations.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, and maintain proactive communication with stakeholders.
• Ability to deal with issues in a fair manner, treat diverse populations and personalities with dignity and respect, and act in a highly ethical manner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment yet maintain flexibility in thinking and actions.
• Must demonstrate initiative and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to lift and/or move 50 pounds.
• Professional appearance; professional and positive attitude.

Special Conditions

• Must keep the affairs of Marquette-Alger RESA and LEAs confidential at all times.
• Must uphold confidentiality of privileged and sensitive student/staff information.
• May require occasional travel for professional activities using personal vehicle.

Schedule

Full-time, academic-year position. Teaching site: Teaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan. Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job.

Benefits

According to Marquette-Alger RESA MEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.