Long Term Substitute Teacher- Elementary Students with Cognitive Impairments (1 Position Available, Gogebic County)

Michigan Association of School Boards; Michigan; On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Elementary in Bessemer, Michigan, within the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District (GOISD), seeks a dependable Long-Term Substitute Teacher for an Elementary Cognitive Impairments classroom. The anticipated start is January 4, 2027, with the assignment through April 5, 2027, on a full-time basis.

The substitute will maintain instructional routines, implement positive behavior supports, and support student independence in literacy, math, communication, and daily living skills,

Qualifications

• Eligibility for, or current possession of, a valid Michigan Daily Substitute Permit issued by the Michigan Department of Education (requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of satisfactory college credit from a regionally accredited college or university).
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Cognitive Impairment (SA), K–12.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with another special education endorsement (e.g., LD, EI, ASD) eligible for temporary approval under MARSE R 340.1783.
• Valid Michigan Elementary General Education Teaching Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Deliver adapted, individualized instructional activities in foundational literacy, math, communication, social interaction, and daily living skills as planned in coordination with the certified special education teacher.
• Implement student IEP accommodations and supplementary aids; record daily academic and behavioral data for review by the certified special education teacher/consultant.
• Provide structured classroom leadership, daily scheduling, and guidance to assigned paraprofessionals and instructional aides.
• Maintain PBIS-based classroom routines and behavior supports in line with district policies.
• Collaborate with speech-language pathologists, occupational/physical therapists, school social workers, and behavior specialists to support student goals.

Skills

Classroom management

Instruction delivery

IEP collaboration

Education

Michigan Daily Substitute Permit (60 college credits)

Michigan Teaching Certificate with Cognitive Impairment (SA), K–12

Michigan Teaching Certificate with additional special ed endorsement (LD/EI/ASD)

Michigan Elementary General Education Teaching Certificate

Job description

Long Term Substitute Teacher- Elementary Students with Cognitive Impairments (1 Position Available, Gogebic County)

Position Title: Long-Term Substitute Teacher – Elementary Students with Cognitive Impairments

Location: Gogebic County (Washington Elementary School, Bessemer, MI)

Program Level: Elementary Cognitive Impairment Classroom

Date Posted: October 16, 2026

Start Date: Anticipated January 4, 2027

Duration: Full-Time Temporary Assignment Anticipated until April 5th, 2027

Compensation: Daily Long-Term Substitute Rate in accordance with GOISD Board Policy
Position Summary
The Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District (GOISD) is seeking a dependable, compassionate educator to serve as a Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher of Students with Cognitive Impairments at Washington Elementary in Bessemer, Michigan. Operating within our elementary center-based classroom setting, the substitute teacher will maintain instructional routines, implement positive behavior supports, and foster student independence, functional communication, and foundational academic growth.

Required Certified Teacher Supervision
To maintain FAPE and satisfy MARSE requirements, the district must ensure an endorsed Special Education Teacher is assigned to direct the educational programming, supervise IEP goal progress, review data, and lead IEP team decisions.

Under this supportive model, the long-term substitute works in direct partnership with the assigned certified special education teacher of record/consultant, receiving regular on-site mentorship, curricular adaptation support, and educational direction throughout the assignment.
Qualifications & Credential Pathways
Minimum Requirement:

• Eligibility for, or current possession of, a valid Michigan Daily Substitute Permit issued by the Michigan Department of Education (requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of satisfactory college credit from a regionally accredited college or university).

Preferred Credentials:

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Cognitive Impairment (SA), K–12.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with another special education endorsement (e.g., LD, EI, ASD) eligible for temporary approval under MARSE R 340.1783.
• Valid Michigan Elementary General Education Teaching Certificate.

Additional Requirements:

• Background Check: Satisfactory completion of Michigan State Police and FBI criminal history record clearance (unprofessional conduct check pursuant to MCL 380.1230b).
• Safety Training: Current certification in, or willingness to complete, district-provided crisis de-escalation and intervention training (Safety-Care / Ukeru trauma-informed safety frameworks).
• Instructional Delivery: Deliver adapted, individualized instructional activities in foundational literacy, math, communication, social interaction, and daily living skills as planned in coordination with the certified special education teacher.
• Supervision & Data Tracking: Implement student IEP accommodations and supplementary aids; systematically record daily academic and behavioral data for review by the certified special education teacher/consultant.
• Classroom & Paraprofessional Direction: Provide structured classroom leadership, daily scheduling, and guidance to assigned classroom paraprofessionals and instructional aides.
• Behavior Management: Maintain a predictable, structured classroom culture utilizing school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and student-specific Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Therapeutic Collaboration: Partner with GOISD ancillary service providers (Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, School Social Workers, and Behavior Specialists) to reinforce therapeutic goals during daily activities.
• Assistive Technology: Support student use of low-tech and high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and adaptive equipment.
• Statutory Compliance: Adhere strictly to Michigan law regarding the Emergency Use of Seclusion and Physical Restraint (MCL 380.1307), student privacy protections (FERPA), and mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting laws.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Physical Requirements: Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching to assist young learners in classroom, small-group, and floor-based instructional settings.
• Lifting & Positioning: Ability to safely lift, position, and transfer students (up to 50 lbs independently, and higher weights utilizing two-person transfers or mechanical lifts) following prescribed OT/PT physical management plans.
• Personal Care Assistance: Willingness to assist students with personal care needs (hygiene, toileting, assisted feeding, and mobility support) alongside classroom paraprofessionals.
• Environment: Elementary center-based classroom housed within an elementary school building. Noise and activity levels are typical for a specialized elementary learning environment.
• Travel Requirements: This position may require occasional travel throughout Gogebic County on behalf of the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District.