Elementary Special Education Cognitive Impairment (CI) Teacher

Avalon Elementary School; Saint Clair Shores (MI); On-site; USD 44,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

South Lake Schools in St. Clair Shores, Michigan is seeking an Elementary Special Education Cognitive Impairment (CI) Teacher.

You will provide specialized instruction aligned with IEPs, develop standards-based lessons, and collaborate with general and related service staff to support students with cognitive impairments. The role requires a valid Michigan SPED CI endorsement, strong communication, and ability to work in a collaborative, inclusive environment, with responsibilities including case

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher is required.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with Special Education Cognitive Impairment (SA) endorsement.
• Knowledge of IDEA, MARSE, IEP development, implementation, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working with students with cognitive impairments and diverse learning needs preferred.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction, behavior intervention strategies, and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized instruction to students with cognitive impairments per IEPs.
• Develop and implement standards-based lessons addressing academic, functional, social-emotional, and independent living skills.
• Create a safe, structured classroom environment that promotes engagement and independence.
• Utilize evidence-based practices, accommodations, and assistive technology to maximize success.
• Differentiate instruction to meet individual student needs and learning styles.
• Develop measurable IEP goals and monitor progress toward achievement.
• Serve as case manager for assigned students and ensure compliance with SPED requirements.
• Plan and participate in IEP Team meetings and reevaluations.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusive access to curriculum.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Differentiated instruction

IEP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Michigan Teaching Certificate with SPED CI endorsement

Job description

Elementary Special Education Cognitive Impairment (CI) Teacher

South Lake Schools Avalon Elementary School - St. Clair Shores, Michigan Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in South Lake Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5935268
Application Deadline: Oct 02, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Posted: Sep 22, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

SOUTH LAKE SCHOOLS

Job Description

Elementary Special Education Cognitive Impairment

(CI) Teacher

At South Lake Schools, we believe great schools are built through strong relationships. Together with our community, we create an engaging and nurturing environment where students thrive and staff feel valued, connected, and supported. Our small-school setting fosters meaningful collaboration and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on learners. Located along beautiful Lake St. Clair in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, our district offers a welcoming community with convenient access to the cultural attractions, dining, entertainment, and professional sports of Detroit, as well as the region’s scenic orchards, cider mills, and outdoor recreation, making South Lake Schools an exceptional place to live, work, and grow.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with Special Education Cognitive Impairment (SA) endorsement.
• Knowledge of IDEA, MARSE, IEP development, implementation, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working with students with cognitive impairments and diverse learning needs preferred.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction, behavior intervention strategies, and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent or designee may find appropriate and acceptable.

Reports To: Principal and Director of Special Services

Performance Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide specialized instruction to students with cognitive impairments in accordance with each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Develop and implement standards-based lessons that address academic, functional, social-emotional, communication, adaptive, and independent living skills.
• Create a safe, structured, and supportive classroom environment that promotes student engagement, learning, and independence.
• Utilize evidence-based instructional practices, accommodations, modifications, assistive technology, and visual supports to maximize student success.
• Differentiate instruction to meet individual student needs and learning styles.
• Develop measurable IEP goals and objectives and monitor progress toward student achievement.
• Serve as case manager for assigned students and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and district special education requirements.
• Plan, facilitate, and participate in IEP Team meetings, annual reviews, reevaluations, and other required special education meetings.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure appropriate inclusion opportunities and access to grade-level curriculum whenever appropriate.
• Work closely with related service providers, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, and other support staff.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain student performance data to guide instructional decision-making and monitor progress.
• Implement positive behavior intervention strategies and behavior support plans that foster student growth and self-regulation.
• Supervise and provide direction to assigned paraprofessionals and classroom support staff.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, educational programming, and strategies to support learning at home.
• Participate in multidisciplinary evaluation team (MET) processes, including review of existing data, evaluations, and eligibility determination activities.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and timely educational records, reports, IEP documentation, progress reports, service logs, and other required documentation.
• Participate in building and district professional development, staff meetings, committees, and school improvement initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA, IDEA, MARSE, district policies, and professional ethical standards.
• Fulfill mandated reporting responsibilities and follow district procedures regarding student safety, health concerns, and other matters requiring intervention.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor consistent with certification and district expectations.

Employment Conditions:

• Employees shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout their employment with the District.
• Employees shall comply with all Board policies and applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including but not limited to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), applicable non-discrimination requirements, and related educational regulations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor that are consistent with certification, approval area, district expectations, and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).

ADA Requirements:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, physical demands, and work environment required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, parents, and community members in person, in writing, and through electronic means.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret a variety of documents, data, and information.
• Ability to use standard office equipment and technology, including computers, communication systems, and data platforms.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the building and grounds for extended periods of time.
• Ability to observe, supervise, and evaluate students and staff in a variety of school settings, including classrooms, common areas, and large group environments.
• Ability to attend and supervise school events and meetings, including those occurring outside of the regular workday.
• Ability to respond appropriately and effectively in emergency or crisis situations, including implementation of safety and security procedures.
• Ability to lift and/or move light to moderate items, such as materials, supplies, or equipment, as needed.
• Ability to travel within and outside the district as required for meetings, professional development, and school-related activities.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Work is performed primarily in a school setting with a moderate noise level and frequent interruptions. The position may require flexibility in scheduling, including occasional evenings and weekends.

The Board of Education is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination and harassment. There will be no tolerance for discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed or ancestry, sex, marital status, genetic information, height, weight, sexual orientation, disability or age. The School District prohibits harassment and other forms of discrimination whether occurring at school, on School District property, in a School District vehicle, or at any School District related activity or event. Furthermore, the Board is committed to equal employment opportunities and the prevention of discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, training, promotion and retention of staff. The Superintendent will designate compliance officers and develop and implement regulations for the reporting, investigation and resolution of complaints of discrimination or harassment. For additional information, contact Human Resources at 23101 Stadium Blvd., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080, [phone].

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $44,055 to $92,334 Per Year

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required