Special Education Teacher 26/27

About the Academy

Founders Grove Classical Academy (FGCA) is a tuition-free kindergarten through 5th grade public charter school in Midland, MI that is focused on classical education and open to ages 5 years old and up. FGCA is a Hillsdale College Curriculum School.

A successful candidate for this position has:

• An unwavering belief that students need an intentional and consistent focus on virtue.
• A love for children and a strong desire to cultivate the wonder and joy of learning everyday.
• An ability to be a subject-matter expert, and share your love of the liberal arts tradition.
• An ability to build relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• A desire to foster a tight-knit community in and out of the classroom.

About the role

To provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that empowers students with diverse needs and abilities to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through the development and implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs), differentiated instruction, and positive behavior support strategies, a special education teacher aims to foster a sense of belonging and self-confidence in each student, enabling them to overcome challenges and reach their fullest potential. By collaborating with fellow educators, specialists, and parents, the special education teacher creates a strong support system that advocates for each student's unique requirements and ensures they receive the necessary resources to succeed.

What you'll do

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Accepts responsibility for the achievement of students.
• Implements the program outlined in the student's IEP in the least restrictive environment. • Prepares for annual IEPs in a timely manner (completing forms, sending invitations to attendees and scheduling meetings).
• Prepares for three-year re-evaluations in a timely manner (testing, completing forms, sending invitations to attendees and scheduling of meeting times).
• Demonstrates ability to write effective Behavior Plans.
• Guides the learning process toward achievement of curriculum goals and implementation of personal learning plans of students.
• Demonstrates effective planning and organization for instruction.
• Selects appropriate materials for implementation of the curriculum and adapts materials and methods to learning styles and abilities of students.
• Uses creative instructional methods and procedures and adapts effectively to unusual situations.
• Motivates students to achieve at their highest level of ability and potential through classroom activities, assignments, relationships, participation and feedback; holds high expectations and demonstrates sensitivity to different learning styles.
• Works cooperatively with teachers to incorporate the academy's Inclusion model.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the academy and the community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of assignments, communicating, an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and expression and student and teacher experiences in large and small groups.

Maintaining Student Records:

• Evaluates all student records for current IEP needs as records arrive.
• Maintains accurate special education student records as required by law and local policy.

Classroom Management:

• Works cooperatively with parents and generates parents' confidence.
• Maintains a comfortable learning environment for students whether in a pullout situation or mainstream setting.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal and student expectations.
• Promotes good citizenship through actions as a role model.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair and consistent practices, respect for individual children and development of responsible citizenship.

Student Enrollment & Retention:

• Shares responsibility for marketing the academy in the community.

Professional Development & Leadership:

• Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and conditions of success.
• Works with classroom teachers to provide resources and training to best meet student IEP needs.
• Uses technology effectively for instruction, record keeping, administrative tasks and communications.
• Shares responsibility for professional, cooperative staff relations and for out-of- class activities important to the operation of the academy.
• Conducts himself or herself according to professional, ethical principles.
• Continually strives to improve classroom methods, teaching techniques and interpersonal relationships.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the academy.
• Displays pride in being a teacher and a member of the academy.

Facilities:

• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.

Other:

• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the School Leader.

Qualifications

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 requirements of the Michigan Department of Education and Federal guidelines. Except as otherwise provided by law, the academy shall use certificated teachers according to the state board rule.
• Or, minimum of a Bachelor's degree and actively working or willingness to actively work through an alternative pathway, which includes passing the MTTC test(s) for endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels.
• Ability to use technology as an instructional tool in the classroom, as a means of analyzing academic achievement data and as a tool to aid effective communications.
• Exemplary work habits verified by reference check.
• Thorough understanding of policies, laws, and guidelines related to special education including IDEA, IEPs, and 504.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and skills working with students of all backgrounds.
• Two years of teaching experience.
• Master's Degree in Special Education
• Demonstrated competence as a teacher in all areas of focus.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.

About Choice Schools Associates

Founders Grove Classical 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 Classical Model, Founders Grove is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding classical schools within the state. The Classical Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.

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