Special Education Teacher 6-8 — Inclusive, Data-Driven Classrooms

Pathfinder School; Pinckney (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Pathfinder School in Pinckney, Michigan is seeking a dedicated Special Education Teacher to support students in grades 6–8 who have diverse needs. The role emphasizes inclusive practices, data-driven instruction, and collaborating with families and general education teachers.

You will develop IEPs, differentiate curriculum, manage the classroom effectively, and participate in school-wide initiatives and professional development.

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with special education endorsement in SV, SE or SA preferred.
• Experience developing and implementing effective educational systems for students with special needs.
• Proficiency in differentiating curriculum and utilizing creative strategies to ensure access to the general education curriculum.
• Demonstrated ability to create a positive, structured, and engaging classroom environment.
• Strong classroom management skills, including the ability to proactively teach behavioral expectations and implement positive behavior support strategies.
• Experience integrating daily living and self-management skills into student learning experiences.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with parents, general education teachers, and support staff to enhance student success.
• Understanding of various disabilities and the ability to educate colleagues and students about inclusive practices.
• Experience assessing academic and social growth, preparing progress reports, and modifying instruction as needed.
• Ability to supervise and support classroom assistants, including training and performance evaluation.
• Commitment to inclusion and the ability to work closely with general education teachers to support student participation in the classroom.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, including external professionals, to support students’ educational and social-emotional needs.
• Strong engagement skills to promote a positive learning culture for at-risk students.
• Dedication to continuous improvement, innovation, and a growth mindset culture.
• Ability to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) based on precise, measurable data.
• Proficiency in technology, including web-based resources, lesson planning tools, and assessment platforms.
• Training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or willingness to complete CPI training upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging and standards-aligned instruction in 6th to 8th Grade AI/CI students in a classroom for students with diverse needs.
• Develop lesson plans that accommodate diverse learning styles and differentiate instruction to meet individual student needs.
• Assess and monitor student progress through formative and summative assessments, using data to inform instruction.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and safe classroom culture that promotes student success and respect for all learners.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with students, parents, and colleagues regarding student performance and classroom activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues in professional learning communities to develop interdisciplinary and cross-curricular lessons.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records in accordance with school policies and procedures.
• Participate in school-wide initiatives, including professional development, school improvement planning, and extracurricular events.

Skills

Classroom management

Differentiated instruction

Collaboration with families

Data-driven instruction

IEP development

Multidisciplinary teamwork

CPI training willingness

Education

Bachelor degree

Michigan Teaching Certificate with special education endorsement

Job description

Pathfinder School in Pinckney, Michigan is seeking a dedicated Special Education Teacher to support students in grades 6–8 who have diverse needs. The role emphasizes inclusive practices, data-driven instruction, and collaborating with families and general education teachers.

You will develop IEPs, differentiate curriculum, manage the classroom effectively, and participate in school-wide initiatives and professional development.