Special Education Teacher - Resource Programming

$44,916 - $74,296/Yr

Grand Rapids Public Schools - Grand Rapids, MI

Full-time - Entry Level

Grand Rapids, MI

Educational Services

About the position

The Special Education Teacher for Resource Programming at Grand Rapids Public Schools is tasked with the critical responsibility of planning and adapting instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. This role is pivotal in ensuring that all students are educated, self-directed, and productive members of society, in alignment with the mission of the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS). The teacher will serve as the case manager for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), overseeing their compliance and ensuring that educational services are effectively delivered. In this position, the teacher will develop Individualized Education Programs based on thorough evaluation data and research-based practices, ensuring that each student's unique learning needs are met. The teacher will support student learning in the least restrictive environment, differentiating instruction to facilitate progress according to the district's Academic Plan. Regular documentation of student progress on goals, objectives, and accommodations is essential, as is monitoring the provision of educational services for students who have faced disciplinary actions. Collaboration with general education teachers and service providers is crucial to support the implementation and review of existing evaluation data, ensuring a comprehensive approach to each student's education. The role also involves engaging with parents and the community, maintaining regular communication regarding student progress, and participating in meetings such as IEPs and Parent/Teacher Conferences. The teacher will contribute to fostering a positive relationship between the school and the wider community through various initiatives. Additionally, the teacher is expected to display physical, social, mental, and emotional soundness to effectively execute their duties, serving as a role model within the school community. Regular attendance is a fundamental requirement of this position, and the teacher will also be expected to contribute to extracurricular activities and school programs as needed. Overall, this role is integral to the success of students with disabilities, requiring a commitment to educational excellence and a collaborative spirit.

Responsibilities

• 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 per the district's Academic Plan.
• Document student progress on goals and objectives, accommodations, service time, and discipline/suspensions.
• Monitor and document provision of educational services for students on caseload with 10 or more days of suspension.
• 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.
• Provide support to general education classroom teachers.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of behavior support plans.
• Participate in special education/building/district meetings as directed by the special education supervisor.
• Log and maintain monthly Service Capture reporting requirements for Medicaid Billing.
• Maintain an electronic log to document students' goals and objectives, accommodations, and other IEP related services.
• Participate and support implementation of interventions in the Response to Intervention (RtI) and Student Success Team process as appropriate.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education with endorsement in at least one area of special education (ASD, EI, CI, SLD, PI, HI, VI, TBI, etc.).
• Current appropriate Michigan special education teaching certification.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience teaching the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Benefits

• Salary determined by the collective bargaining agreement and a comprehensive benefits package.