Special Education Teacher Grades 6-8

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

Special Education Teacher Grades 6-8

Pinckney Community Schools Pathfinder School - Pinckney, Michigan Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5953247
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Oct 07, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Job Posting: S pecial Education Teacher

Reports to: Building Administrator

Position Overview:

Pinckney Community Schools is seeking a dedicated Special Education Teacher to provide high-quality instruction and support to students with special education needs. Pinckney is in Livingston County, known for its suburban-rural mix and a draw for nature lovers with its parks, lakes, and trails. The ideal candidate will have a passion for fostering student success and creating a welcoming environment for students and families.

Key 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.

Qualifications:

Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with special education endorsement inSV, 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous special education teaching experience.
• Experience in classroom assessment and data-driven instruction.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for the role.
• A current resume.
• Copies of transcripts, certifications, and relevant credentials.
• Apply via the website www.pinckneypirates.org/jobs

Compensation & Benefits: Per the Pinckney Community Schools PEA agreement

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk and stand. The employee is occasionally required to bend and or twist at the trunk more than the average person. The employee is continuously repeating the same hand, arm or finger motion many times. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds such as books and teaching material. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to travel to other buildings is required. The position requires the individual to sometimes work irregular or extended work hours and meet multiple demands from several people.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day. Occasionally the employee may be required to be outdoors for a short period of time, and therefore subject to varying weather conditions, for purposes of accomplishing the essential functions of this job.

FUNCTIONS OF POSITION DESCRIPTION:

This position description has been prepared to define the general duties of the position, provide examples of work and to detail the required knowledge, skills and ability as well as the acceptable experience and training for the position. The description is not intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the duties of employees under supervision. The Pinckney Community School District retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any portion of this description in its sole judgment. This position description is not a contract for employment.

The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the District.

The Pinckney Community School District is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Bachelor degree preferred.

Contact Information

• Kelly Plante
• 2130 East M-36
• Pinckney, Michigan 48169
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]