Elementary Special Education Resource Teacher

West Ottawa Public Schools; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

West Ottawa Public Schools is seeking an Elementary Special Education Resource Teacher to provide targeted instruction aligned with IEP goals at Great Lakes Elementary School. The role emphasizes evidence-based practice, behavior supports, and collaboration with general education staff and families.

The ideal candidate will have Michigan certification with Special Education endorsement, knowledge of IEP development, and experience implementing behavior plans for students with autism and diverse

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with Special Education endorsement required.
• Knowledge of evidence-based instruction, behavior supports, and IEP development.
• Ability to implement positive behavior support plans for students with diverse needs, including those with autism.
• Strong collaboration skills with general education staff, families, and support service providers.
• Familiarity with Michigan special education laws and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide targeted small group and/or individualized instruction aligned with students' IEP goals.
• Develop and implement effective lesson plans using evidence-based instructional strategies; support students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, including those with autism and other developmental differences.
• Implement behavior support plans and positive behavior interventions consistently.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusive practices and differentiated instruction.
• Conduct assessments and monitor student progress toward IEP goals.
• Write and maintain accurate, compliant IEPs in collaboration with IEP teams.
• Participate in IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and student support team meetings; maintain communication with families regarding progress and strategies for support.
• Use data to inform instruction and adjust interventions as needed.
• Provide accommodations and modifications to ensure access to the general education curriculum.
• Manage and organize documentation, schedules, and caseload responsibilities.
• Support transitions between instructional settings and collaborate with related service providers (e.g., speech, OT, BCBA).
• Foster student independence and a positive classroom environment.
• Stay current with best practices and special education laws and policies.

Skills

Evidence-based instruction

Behavior supports

IEP development

Collaboration with staff and families

Special education compliance knowledge

Education

Michigan teaching certificate with Special Education endorsement

Job description

Elementary Special Education Resource Teacher JobID: 4154

• Position Type: Special Education and Student Support Services
• Date Posted: 10/30/2026
• Location: Great Lakes Elementary School
• Date Available: TBD

Position: Elementary Special Education Resource Teacher

Posting Dates: October 30, 2026 – Until Filled

Reports To: Great Lakes Elementary Principal

Beginning: TBD

Minimum starting salary for all certified teachers is $55,000.

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with Special Education endorsement required.
• Knowledge of evidence-based instruction, behavior supports, and IEP development
• Ability to implement positive behavior support plans for students with a range of needs, including those with autism
• Strong collaboration skills with general education staff, families, and support service providers
• Familiarity with Michigan special education laws and compliance requirements

Job Responsibilities

• Provide targeted small group and/or individualized instruction aligned with students' IEP goals
• Develop and implement effective lesson plans using evidence-based instructional strategies Support students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, including those with autism and other developmental differences
• Implement behavior support plans and positive behavior interventions consistently
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusive practices and differentiated instruction
• Conduct assessments and monitor student progress toward IEP goals
• Write and maintain accurate, compliant IEPs in collaboration with IEP teams
• Participate in IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and student support team meetings Maintain communication with families regarding student progress and strategies for support
• Use data to inform instruction and adjust interventions as needed
• Provide accommodations and modifications to=ensure student access to the general education curriculum
• Manage and organize documentation, schedules, and caseload responsibilities
• Support transitions between instructional settings (general education, small group, etc.) Collaborate with related service providers (e.g., speech, OT, social work, BCBA)
• Foster student independence and a positive classroom environment
• Stay current with best practices and special education laws and policies

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and making fine discriminations in sound.
• Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• The worker is subject to environmental conditions.
• The worker should provide consistent and reliable in-person attendance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The West Ottawa Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, height, weight, marital or family status, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The District's Compliance Officers shall handle inquiries regarding the Board's non-discrimination policies and address any complaint of discrimination.

Additional Information

Preparing All Students to be College, Career, and Life Ready