Special Education Teacher – SCI

MUSKEGON AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Special Education Teacher – Severely Cognitively Impaired

CLASSIFICATION: Professional

REPORTS TO: Program Principal

SUPERVISES: Instructional Assistant(s)

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:
All candidates must apply online at www.muskegonisd.org/jobs/.

TERMS:
This position is a 201 work day position offering full family medical, dental, and vision benefits. Dental, vision, and life insurance are paid by the district at no cost to the employee. Personal business days and sick time paid. Negotiated long term disability, paid by the district up to $30 per month. Retirement through the Office of Retirement Services (Pension Plus or Defined Contribution).

SALARY RANGE:
This position is on the Centerbased Professional Employer’s Association Scale – $58483.00 – $89075.00 per year on the Bachelor’s lane (BA+20, MA, MA+30, and MA+60 lanes available) depending on experience and education.

GENERAL JOB FUNCTION:
Teachers provide direct instructional programming for students, manage classroom activities, manage student behaviors, integrate classroom instruction with other therapeutic services and supervise classroom instructional assistant(s).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. No physical or mental restrictions that would, with reasonable accommodation, prevent performance of the essential job functions and responsibilities.
2. Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or greater, with certification in special education.
3. Possession of a valid Michigan teaching certificate.
4. A working knowledge of current practices and trends in the education of developmentally disabled students.
5. An ability to supervise and manage the implementation of programs/services developed for students.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A working knowledge of the dynamics of human learning and communications development.
2. Some practical experience in vocational training.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs regular academic assessment of students.
2. Develops daily instructional plans to remedy deficits determined by assessment.
3. Maintains accurate and legally adequate data keeping systems and student records.
4. Manages overall classroom activities.
5. Makes referrals for other specialized therapeutic and support services.
6. Supervises and evaluates assigned instructional assistants; provides training and support and schedules their activities.
7. Remains alert to signs of health, behavior or other problems potentially injurious or detrimental to the students. Reports problems to the proper authorities.
8. Attends meetings and conferences as required.
9. Maintains a positive relationship with parents, guardians and other caregivers.
10. Implements positive behavior supports within the classroom.
11. Upholds the Code of Conduct for Wesley School staff.
12. Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Principal or Assistant Principal.

NOTABLE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
There are frequent requirements to lift, hold and move moderate to heavy weights (students) and to control outbursts of physical behavior in the classroom setting. Must pass a MAISD-paid physical examination and/or back x-ray before an unconditional offer of employment can be made.

TYPICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Most work is accomplished in a classroom or specialized service area.

EVALUATION:
Teachers on probationary status are evaluated at least annually. All other teachers are evaluated according to Michigan law, Board policy, and the current bargained agreement.

CREDENTIALS, SPECIAL SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS POSITION:
Planning/Organizational Skills –
Teachers must plan and organize their daily classroom activities to achieve the individual goals established for their students.
Decision Making Abilities –
Teachers must make frequent decisions regarding classroom activities, student performance, instructional strategies, etc. on a daily basis. Although support is always available, good decision making is important.
Interpersonal Skills –
It is vital that teachers interact well and maintain rapport with parents and other caregivers, agency personnel and instructional assistants.
Supervisory Skills –
Classroom teachers must direct the efforts of instructional assistants to achieve an integrated and effective instructional environment. Good supervisory skills are vital to this endeavor.

OPPORTUNITY FOR ADVANCEMENT:
Advancement is possible to available positions within the Special Education department, with appropriate credentials and experience.

WORK LOCATION(S):
Most work is performed in Wesley School or community classrooms, community-based instructional sites or community job placement sites.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS:
Travel to and from local instructional sites and to meetings and conferences throughout the state is required.

It is the policy of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District that no staff member, candidate for employment, program participant, or recipient of services shall experience discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity) disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively “Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Inquiries related to issues of discrimination on the basis of disability should be directed to the Assistant Director for Special Education at (231) 767-7249. All other discrimination inquiries or requests for special accommodations to participate in a program, event, or activity should be directed to the Human Resources Director at (231) 767-7213.