Middle School Special Education Teacher

Muskegonisd; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Reeths-Puffer Schools in Muskegon, Michigan, seeks a dedicated Middle School Special Education Teacher to serve students with disabilities, providing IEP-aligned instruction and supports that promote growth, independence, and success.

The role emphasizes collaboration with general education teachers, families, and related service providers to create an inclusive learning environment and ensure compliance with IDEA and state requirements.

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with Special Education endorsement.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and implement evidence-based strategies.
• Strong classroom management and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of IDEA and Michigan special education requirements.
• Commitment to equitable access to instruction.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs per state/federal requirements.
• Complete Medicaid logging and adhere to timelines for SPED processes.
• Provide specially designed instruction based on students' needs and goals.
• Adapt instructional materials to support student success.
• Monitor progress, document outcomes, and report IEP goals.

Skills

IEP development

Differentiated instruction

Collaboration

Classroom management

Communication

Education

Michigan teaching certificate with Special Education endorsement

Job description

Middle School Special Education Teacher

Reeths-Puffer Schools | Muskegon, Michigan

Position: Middle School Special Education Teacher
Location: Reeths-Puffer Middle School
Reports To: Building Principal and/or Director of Special Education
Position Type: Full-Time
Certification Required: Valid Michigan teaching certificate with appropriate Special Education endorsement

Position Summary

Reeths-Puffer Schools is seeking a dedicated, student-centered Middle School Special Education Teacher to join our team. The successful candidate will provide specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities, helping them achieve academic growth, develop independence, and build the skills necessary for success in school and beyond.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with general education teachers, support staff, families, and related service providers to create an inclusive, supportive learning environment that recognizes each student's individual strengths and needs.

At Reeths-Puffer, we are committed to being a great place to learn, contribute, and compete. We are looking for an educator who shares this commitment and believes every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in accordance with state and federal requirements.
• Complete Medicaid logging and adheres to timelines for special education processes.
• Provide specially designed instruction based on students' individual learning needs, abilities, and goals.
• Adapt and modify instructional materials, assignments, assessments, and teaching strategies to support student success.
• Monitor student progress, maintain accurate documentation, and communicate progress toward IEP goals.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support accommodations, modifications, and access to the general education curriculum.
• Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and other student support meetings.
• Establish and maintain a positive, structured, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes student engagement, independence, and appropriate behavior.
• Use research-based instructional strategies, assessment data, and progress-monitoring tools to guide instructional decisions.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with students, parents and guardians, colleagues, administrators, and related service providers.
• Support students' social-emotional development, self-advocacy, problem-solving, and independent learning skills.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all applicable federal, state, and district policies and procedures.
• Participate in professional development and collaborate with colleagues to support continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal or district administration.

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with the appropriate Special Education endorsement for the assigned position.
• Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices, including IDEA and Michigan special education requirements.
• Understanding of IEP development, implementation, progress monitoring, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and implement evidence-based strategies to meet diverse student needs.
• Strong classroom management, organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Commitment to providing equitable access to instruction and supporting the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth of all students.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience teaching students with disabilities at the middle school level.
• Experience collaborating with general education teachers in an inclusive educational setting.
• Familiarity with assistive technology, differentiated instructional practices, and positive behavioral supports.
• Experience using student data to develop instructional plans and monitor progress.

Professional Expectations

The successful candidate will demonstrate the qualities reflected in the Reeths-Puffer Graduate Profile by fostering an environment where students are encouraged to be Literate, Collaborative, Self-Aware, Problem Solvers, Empathetic, and Curious.

The candidate will demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, a growth mindset, and a commitment to continuous improvement while contributing positively to the school community.

Reeths-Puffer Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for students and staff.