Special Education Teacher

Leona - Detroit, MI

Full-time - Entry Level

Detroit, MI

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Special Education Teacher plays a crucial role in supporting students with special needs within the regular education classroom. A significant portion of the teacher's time is dedicated to collaborating with general education teachers to ensure that special education students receive the necessary support and accommodations to thrive academically. This position requires a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed. In this role, the Special Education Teacher will provide direct services to special education students, working closely with general education teachers to plan and implement adaptations and accommodations tailored to the unique needs of each student. Team teaching is a key component of this position, as the teacher will collaborate with general education teachers in core subjects such as language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Additionally, the Special Education Teacher will assist in supervising volunteers and teacher aides, ensuring that they effectively support curriculum modifications and provide individualized assistance to special education students. The teacher will also play a vital role in developing and implementing behavior intervention plans in collaboration with general education teachers and the school social worker. This includes consulting on grading and evaluative measures for students on their caseload, ensuring that assessments are fair and reflective of each student's abilities and progress. Participation in child study teams and conducting Individualized Education Program Team (IEPT) meetings are essential responsibilities that require the teacher to identify student strengths and weaknesses, write individualized goals, and develop transition plans. Overall, the Special Education Teacher is expected to be a proactive member of the educational team, advocating for the needs of special education students and fostering strong communication with parents and guardians to encourage their involvement in the educational process.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct services to special education students that are supportive of the general education teacher.
• Provide consultation and assistance to general education teachers for planning, making adaptations and accommodations for special education students.
• Team teach with general education teachers in instructional areas such as language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Assist general education teachers in supervising volunteers and teacher aides who help with curriculum modifications and individualized support.
• Assist in developing and implementing behavior intervention plans for students on the caseload.
• Consult with general education teachers in assigning grades and developing evaluative measures for students on the caseload.
• Participate in child study teams and assist with the evaluation of educational needs and intervention strategies for students suspected of being handicapped.
• Schedule and conduct IEPT meetings.
• Identify student deficits and strengths and write individual student goals, objectives, transition plans, and education plans (IEP).
• Work as a member of the Multi-disciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) for students referred for special education services.
• Serve as a liaison to parents of special education students and encourage their participation in the program of services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; teacher certification with special education endorsement(s) - OR - master's degree and other qualifications to enable application for temporary or full approval as special education teacher.
• Experience: none required; successful special education teaching experience preferred.
• Skilled in interviewing, individual and group treatment techniques.
• Ability to formulate eligibility recommendations for special education students.
• Demonstrated initiative and understanding in working with students, parents/guardians, teachers, and staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written communications.
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with board policies and established procedures.