Job Description

Special Education Teacher

School Year 2024-2025

School Overview:

BHCSA: Benton Harbor Charter School Academy believes that the most significant learning occurs where trust and love for one another are the foundation. As you enter the doors, you can feel the passion and caring community exude from the academy. Students, staff and parents are committed to a safe environment where all believe that students belong in the most rigorous studies and are destined for success.

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.

As the Special Education Teacher , your core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Curriculum & Instruction:

• 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.

Student Enrollment & Retention:

• 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.

Job Goal: 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.

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

Minimum Requirements:

• 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.

Work Location: 455 Riverview Dr, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Choice Schools offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, a competitive 401(K) plan, professional development, and much more. View our benefits options here -

Please contact Nadia Samaha via email at nadiasamaha@choiceschools.com with any questions.

Working for Choice Schools Associates

Benton Harbor Charter School 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, Benton Harbor Charter School Academy 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.

Choice Schools Associates is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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