Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher K-12

CEN is a mission- and values-driven organization committed to being Child Centered, Caring, Transformative, Accountable, and Anti-Racist. The mission of CEN is to build a system of remarkable neighborhood schools in traditionally under-resourced communities using a trauma-informed, whole child approach to education ensuring college, career, and life success for all children. At CEN, we believe that creating and sustaining excellent and equitable schools for all children is the most critical issue today and that high-quality education is the only way to change the life trajectory and outcomes for kids. We believe that, regardless of their zip code, our kids deserve remarkable schools. CEN team members are steadfast in our vision to dismantle systemic educational inequities. We are committed to culturally responsive education, including systems that promote anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

At CEN, we believe that providing a world-class education for our students starts with providing world-class support for our staff. We don't just offer a job; we offer a career where your physical, financial, and professional health are prioritized.

We are seeking tenacious staff members who operate with empathy and will settle for nothing less than academic and life success for all students. Professionals with a passion for urban education and the city of Detroit align best with our needs and goals. Our top performers are focused on building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and are driven by data and student outcomes.

The Special Education Teacher plans and provides for appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings. The person in this position is responsible for creating a flexible program and learning environment that provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities, such that the students benefit from the general education curriculum to the greatest extent possible when supported with supplemental aids, accommodations, and other needed supports. A successful employee is a consummate professional, upholding the mission, goals and objectives of the organization.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Implement the program outlined in the student's Individualized Educational Program ("IEP") in the least restrictive environment.
• Prepare for student's annual IEP in a timely manner (completing forms, invitations to attendees, scheduling meetings).
• Prepare for three-year re-evaluations in a timely manner (testing, completing of forms, invitations to attendees, scheduling of meeting times).
• Maintain complete and on-going records for all students.
• Maintain a log of parent and community contacts.
• Maintain a comfortable learning environment for students whether in a pull-out situation or mainstream setting.
• Adapt materials from the curriculum to meet the needs of students served.
• Utilize instructional materials that meet special learning needs of students.
• Work collaboratively with general education teachers to meet the needs of their students.
• Demonstrate creativity in reaching, challenging and engaging students in learning.
• Utilize strategies and techniques to modify unacceptable behavior.
• Collaborate with social workers in creation of Behavior Plans.
• Evaluate all student records for current IEP needs as those records arrive in the Academy.
• Demonstrate knowledge of disability areas experienced by students with special needs that are attending the Academy.
• Other duties as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education or equivalent, required.
• Highly qualified certification in Special Education in the State of Michigan.
• Experience with working in diverse, low-income communities; sensitivity to and awareness of the needs of culturally diverse urban adolescents and families.
• Outstanding organizational skills and strong attention to detail; excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to the belief that all students can succeed.
• Experience and demonstrated success in designing and executing interventions for struggling students.
• Experience and demonstrated success in designing and delivering social skills and character development lessons.
• Experience and success in supporting families.
• Possess the desire and willingness to develop their own skill set.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain constructive group relationships.
• Will successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen.

We ask our team to believe in, deliver on, and embody the following values: Be Child-Centered, Be Caring, Be Transformative, Be Accountable, and Be Anti-Racist.