Special Education Teacher

Position Type: Special Education / Elementary School Teaching / Special Education Early Childhood Date Posted: 1/6/2026 Location: CEN Date Available: ASAP District: Detroit Leadership Academy Job Title: Special Education Teacher Department: Academics Reports To: Principal Classification: Exempt Location: Detroit, MI and Redford, MI Who are we? 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. Why Join CEN? At CEN, we provide a wealth of professional learning, as well as opportunities for professional growth and advancement. We are committed to the health and wellness of our employees. Moreover, CEN offers one of the most comprehensive compensation and benefits packages in the city of Detroit. CEN employees earn competitive salaries and a robust benefits package, including: United Healthcare PPO including vision and dental with employer covering 80% 401K with match options Free Short- and Long-Term Disability Free Basic Life Insurance Free Basic AD&D Supplemental insurance plans available Wellness benefits, including up to $250 annual reimbursement Free State Continuing Education Clock Hours Paid time off, varying by role Performance Bonuses Annual Retention Bonus that grows year over year Free membership in employee discount program. Who are we looking for? 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. What are the major job responsibilities? 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. Have a 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 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 CEN does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. Postings current as of 2/20/2026 12:02:15 AM CST. Powered by applicant tracking, a product of Frontline Education. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wayne County Schools Employment Network