Special Education Teacher

Dove Academy of Detroit; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dove Academy of Detroit is seeking a dedicated Special Education Teacher to foster an inclusive learning environment and implement individualized plans for diverse learners.

You will collaborate with educators, specialists and families to ensure students receive necessary resources and support, while upholding high expectations and professional standards.

Qualifications

• Ability to develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Proven ability to differentiate instruction for diverse learners.
• Strong collaboration with staff, students and families.

Responsibilities

• Accept responsibility for student achievement.
• Implement IEPs in least restrictive environment.
• Prepare for annual IEPs and three-year re-evaluations.
• Write effective Behavior Plans.
• Collaborate with teachers to support inclusion model.
• Maintain accurate student records per policy.

Skills

IEP development

Differentiated instruction

Collaboration with parents

Relationship building

Behavior management

Education

Michigan teaching certificate with special ed endorsements

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Technology for instruction

Job description

At Dove Academy, we pride ourselves on our successes, and celebrate both individual and school achievements. Dove Academy is committed to building a better future for its students and families that fosters a culture of universal achievement that involves parents, students and staff. This culture is based upon the fundamental belief that each child is capable of meeting high academic standards in reading, language arts, and math, and that the school has the power to make that opportunity a reality.

A successful candidate for this position has:

• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• The ability to build strong relationships with staff, students, and families to build trust and rapport within the school community.
• The willingness to be a humble change agent.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

About the role

To provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that empowers students with diverse needs and abilities to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through the development and implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs), differentiated instruction, and positive behavior support strategies, a special education teacher aims to foster a sense of belonging and self-confidence in each student, enabling them to overcome challenges and reach their fullest potential. By collaborating with fellow educators, specialists, and parents, the special education teacher creates a strong support system that advocates for each student's unique requirements and ensures they receive the necessary resources to succeed.

What you'll do

• Accepts responsibility for the achievement of students.
• Implements the program outlined in the student's IEP in the least restrictive environment.
• Prepares for annual IEPs in a timely manner (completing forms, sending invitations to attendees and scheduling meetings).
• Prepares for three-year re-evaluations in a timely manner (testing, completing forms, sending invitations to attendees and scheduling of meeting times).
• Demonstrates ability to write effective Behavior Plans.
• Guides the learning process toward achievement of curriculum goals and implementation of personal learning plans of students.
• Demonstrates effective planning and organization for instruction.
• Selects appropriate materials for implementation of the curriculum and adapts materials and methods to learning styles and abilities of students.
• Uses creative instructional methods and procedures and adapts effectively to unusual situations.
• Motivates students to achieve at their highest level of ability and potential through classroom activities, assignments, relationships, participation and feedback; holds high expectations and demonstrates sensitivity to different learning styles.
• Works cooperatively with teachers to incorporate the academy's Inclusion model.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the academy and the community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of assignments, communicating, an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and expression and student and teacher experiences in large and small groups.

Maintaining Student Records:

• Evaluates all student records for current IEP needs as records arrive.
• Maintains accurate special education student records as required by law and local policy.

Classroom Management:

• Works cooperatively with parents and generates parents' confidence.
• Maintains a comfortable learning environment for students whether in a pullout situation or mainstream setting.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal and student expectations.
• Promotes good citizenship through actions as a role model.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair and consistent practices, respect for individual children and development of responsible citizenship.
• Shares responsibility for marketing the academy in the community.

Professional Development & Leadership:

• Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and conditions of success.
• Works with classroom teachers to provide resources and training to best meet student IEP needs.
• Uses technology effectively for instruction, record keeping, administrative tasks and communications.
• Shares responsibility for professional, cooperative staff relations and for out-of- class activities important to the operation of the academy.
• Conducts himself or herself according to professional, ethical principles.
• Continually strives to improve classroom methods, teaching techniques and interpersonal relationships.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the academy.
• Displays pride in being a teacher and a member of the academy.

Facilities:

• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.

Other:

• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the School Leader.

Qualifications

While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels, meeting the requirements of the Michigan Department of Education and Federal guidelines. Except as otherwise provided by law, the academy shall use certificated teachers according to the state board rule.
• Or, minimum of a Bachelor's degree and actively working or willingness to actively work through an alternative pathway, which includes passing the MTTC test(s) for endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels.
• Ability to use technology as an instructional tool in the classroom, as a means of analyzing academic achievement data and as a tool to aid effective communications.
• Exemplary work habits verified by reference check.
• Thorough understanding of policies, laws, and guidelines related to special education including IDEA, IEPs, and 504.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and skills working with students of all backgrounds.
• Two years of teaching experience.
• Master's Degree in Special Education
• Demonstrated competence as a teacher in all areas of focus.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.

About Choice Schools Associates

Dove Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Scholar Model, Dove is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding scholar schools within the state. The Scholar Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.