Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

2024 - 2025 School Year

At Creative Montessori Academy, we celebrate and nurture every child's innate desire to learn. Utilizing the Montessori Method, our diverse learning environment fosters innovation and yet allows each student the chance to learn through self-directed pace and individual style.

As Montessori educators, it is our mission to prepare our environments for students to develop a love of learning and become intrinsically motivated. It is our objective to guide students in their critical thinking and bring awareness to their five senses throughout the environment.

Teachers and administration are thoroughly trained in the Montessori Method and are committed to the Montessori education of every child. The curriculum is demanding, yet allows each student the chance to learn through self-directed pace and individual style.

Qualities of a Success Candidate:

• A genuine love for working with children and a strong commitment to their holistic development. They should prioritize the child's individuality, independence, and self-directed learning, fostering an environment that supports these values.

• The ability to guide children through their learning journey with patience, allowing them to explore and make discoveries at their own pace. They should also be flexible in adjusting their teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each child.

• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

As the Special Education Teacher, your core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Compliance and Caseload Management

• Monitor Special Education staff caseloads in accordance with Oakland Schools compliance.

• Monitor IEPs in accordance with federal, state, and district standards.

• Ensure IEP timeline compliance of caseloads.

Knowledge and Best Practices

• Maintain knowledge of current Special Education regulations and specially designed instruction best practices.

Support for General Education Teachers and Administrators

• Support general education teachers and administrators in the implementation of appropriate strategies for students with IEPs.

• Support implementation of accommodations and modifications for students with IEPs in the general education classroom and during Special Education service time.

Assessment and Data Analysis

• Analyze assessment results with the special education team to help drive instruction and IEP development.

• Analyze Special Education documentation as required by federal, state, and district regulations.

• Analyze special education data to help make student-level decisions.

Behavior Intervention

• Communicate and collaborate with school leaders and behavior interventionists regarding student discipline.

• Develop and assist with appropriate behavior management techniques for students with IEPs.

Collaboration and Communication

• Facilitate a positive rapport with Oakland Schools.

• Communicate regarding Manifestation Determination Review meetings.

• Meet regularly with the Special Education Supervisor.

• Address/support parent concerns and encourage partnerships.

Training and Professional Development

• Train on special education systems to ensure staff are knowledgeable with systems (MIPSE).

• Support building level team leads.

• Support building level Section 504 questions from Section 504 building level coordinators.

• Lead and plan high-quality professional development.

• Give Model specific Special Education support/training.

Other:

• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the School Leader.

Job Goal: To facilitate the development and implementation of comprehensive and effective special education programs within the Academy. The special education coordinator aims to work closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff to ensure that students with special needs receive the appropriate accommodations and resources necessary for their academic and personal growth. By overseeing the creation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), conducting regular progress assessments, and providing professional development opportunities for educators, they strive to promote a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Their ultimate objective is to advocate for students with disabilities, foster collaborative relationships with parents and guardians, and continually enhance the school's special education initiatives to meet the evolving needs of all learners.

Essential Skills and Competencies: While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels meeting the highly qualified requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act.

• At least 10 years of successful classroom teaching experience in a school setting as a special education teacher or special education ancillary staff member.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of instructional strategies for students with disabilities.

• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people.

• A proven track record of being a team player.

• Adherence to a high level of professional and ethical standards.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Choice Schools offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, a competitive 401(K) plan, professional development, and much more. View our benefits options here - https://choiceschools.com/careers/careers-choice-experience/

Work Location: 12701 McCann Ave, Southgate, MI 48195

Please contact Autumn Hernandez via email, autumnhernandez@choiceschools.com with any questions.

Working for Choice Schools Associates

Creative Montessori Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Montessori Model, Creative Montessori Academy is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding Montessori schools within the state. The Montessori Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.

Choice Schools Associates is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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