Special Education Teacher - SOAR/Work-based Learning

REPORTS TO:  Principal and Assistant Principal of the Transitions Center
  
GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

To provide creative instruction, both in the classroom and in the community, to special education students, 16-26 years of age, that will allow the students to make growth in the areas of vocation, independent living, and social skills as identified in their IEP.  The Transitions Center has two different programs you could be placed in based on our enrollment needs, Secondary Opportunities for Adult Readiness (SOAR) or Work Based Learning (WBL).
 
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide and utilize instructional plans, strategies, methods, materials and techniques that best meet the needs of the class, as well as individual students.
2. Provide the leadership, direction and oversight of paraprofessionals working with students within the classroom and in the community.
3. Responsible for the safety and well-being of students and staff when under your direction in the classroom, community and/or during unstructured times.
4. Complete required paperwork on time and accurately, which may include but not be limited to weekly lesson plans, assessments, progress reports, behavioral support plans, IEPs etc.
5. Meet compliance standards for IEPs, as well as coordinate and participate in IEP meetings.
6. Collect and analyze assessment data.
7. Be a role model for the students and paraprofessional staff.
8. Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
9. Utilize technology for communication, instruction, assessment, attendance, and IEP writing.
10. Keep all student, parent, and staff information confidential.
11. Utilize advanced behavior management and problem solving skills.
12. Demonstrate a positive attitude in working with students, parents, other staff members and community members.
13. Able to adapt to changes with little direction.
14. Attend required workshops, in-services and trainings.
15. Perform duties assigned by administration as deemed necessary and appropriate which are in accordance with contractual rules and legal guidelines.

 
OTHER SKILLS:

1. Assist with personal and/or medical needs of students, as needed.
2. Have an understanding of various disability areas and characteristics.
3. Monitor, schedule, and assess a caseload of up to 30 students.
4. Able to work on a team as well as independently based on your assignment.
5. Able to transport students safely in district-provided vehicles.
6. Able to establish, develop and maintain positive relationships with community partners.

 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must have full approval as a Special Education Teacher in the State of Michigan
2. Knowledge of Transition Planning.
3. Ability to communicate effectively and work successfully with students, parents, teachers, staff, school administrators and vocational/community/advocacy groups.
4. Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn and utilize computer programs such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Google docs, Easy IEP, Skyward, etc.
5. Ability to lift a minimum of 75 pounds.
6. Willingness to receive additional training to be certified in CPI and CPR to be a member of the Response Team.
7. Must have at least an effective rating on previous evaluation, if applicable.
8. Must have good references.
9. Must have an excellent attendance record.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Saginaw Intermediate School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, disability, age, or national origin in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of Human Resources
Saginaw Intermediate School District
3933 Barnard Road
Saginaw, MI 48603
Telephone: (989) 799-4733