Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

The Special Education Teacher provides specialized instruction and support services to students with disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), and district policies. The teacher develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborates with general education staff and families, and utilizes evidence-based instructional practices to ensure students achieve academic, behavioral, social, and functional success in the least restrictive environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction to students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Differentiate instruction using evidence-based practices to meet individual student needs.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction across educational settings.
• Utilize positive behavior supports and classroom management strategies that promote student success.
• Foster student independence, self-advocacy, and social-emotional development.
• Monitor student progress and adjust instruction based on assessment data.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

• Develop, implement, and monitor compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Conduct present level assessments and contribute to multidisciplinary evaluations.
• Write measurable annual goals and objectives aligned with state standards and student needs.
• Ensure all required special education documentation is completed accurately and within required timelines.
• Participate in initial evaluations, reevaluations, manifestation determination reviews, and transition planning.
• Maintain compliance with all federal and state special education requirements.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• Administer formal and informal assessments to determine instructional needs.
• Collect and analyze student performance data to monitor progress toward IEP goals.
• Prepare progress reports for families and IEP teams according to district schedules.
• Use assessment results to guide instructional planning and intervention decisions.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure students have access to the general education curriculum.
• Participate as an active member of multidisciplinary teams.
• Work collaboratively with related service providers, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, social workers, and counselors.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress and educational programming.
• Participate in Student Assistance Teams (SAT), Child Study Teams, and other school-based intervention meetings as appropriate.

Compliance and Case Management

• Serve as the case manager for assigned students.
• Maintain confidential student records in accordance with FERPA and district policies.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504 (as applicable), MARSE, and Michigan Department of Education requirements.
• Complete Medicaid documentation, service logs, and required state reporting, when applicable.
• Maintain accurate attendance, progress monitoring, and instructional documentation.

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in district and building professional learning opportunities.
• Maintain required Michigan certification and endorsements.
• Stay current on evidence-based instructional practices, assistive technology, behavior intervention strategies, and special education law.
• Participate in school improvement initiatives and contribute to a positive school culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or Director of Special Education.

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate.
• Appropriate Michigan Special Education Endorsement(s) for the assigned disability category and grade level.
• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of IDEA, MARSE, Section 504, FERPA, and Michigan special education procedures.
• Ability to develop and implement compliant IEPs.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and families.
• Preferred: Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• Preferred: Experience implementing evidence-based interventions.
• Preferred: Experience with inclusive instructional practices and co-teaching models.
• Preferred: Training in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), restorative practices, or trauma-informed instructional strategies.
• Preferred: Experience using educational technology and assistive technology to support student learning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Develop and implement individualized instructional plans.
• Effectively manage diverse learning environments.
• Analyze student data to guide instruction.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics.
• Utilize educational technology, assistive technology, and student information systems.
• Collaborate effectively with general education staff and related service providers.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout classrooms and school buildings.
• Ability to supervise students in a variety of educational settings.
• Ability to lift instructional materials and assist students as needed, up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and families.
• Ability to perform duties requiring standing, walking, bending, and occasional physical assistance to students, consistent with district expectations.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with district policies, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and Michigan law.