Buchanan Community Schools
Special Education Elementary Teacher – Ottawa Elementary

Buchanan Community Schools is welcoming applicants for a Special Education Elementary Teacher at Ottawa Elementary School, grades Pre-K - 1. The district seeks qualified applicants to provide learning instruction for reading, writing, and mathematics in the elementary program.

General duties and responsibilities:

Teaches district approved curriculum
Lower elementary teaching or student teaching experience (K-1)
Develops, implements, and monitors Individualized Instructional Programs (IEPs) for each student on their caseload
Actively participate in REED meetings and lead IEP meetings
Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of the school district
Analyzes and use data from: NWEA, MSTEP, DIBELS, and Delta Math to inform academic planning, instruction, and assessment of students
Develops lesson plans and instructional material and provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student
Applies current research-based practices and theory to classroom instruction
Designs lessons that show evidence of differentiated instruction
Translates lesson plans into developmentally appropriate learning experiences
Excellent written and oral communication skills at both adult and student levels
Communicates regularly with parents, staff and students
Is available to students and parents for educational-related purposes outside of the instructional day
Develops positive relationships with administration, colleagues, parents, students, and a cooperative team player in any group setting
Teaches students with disabilities through the use of inclusion strategies
Ability to plan and implement accommodations for ELL, Special Education, 504, and at-risk students
Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere
Evaluates students academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records and prepares progress reports
Develops and maintains appropriate academic and behavior recordkeeping to inform parents and staff in a timely manner
Provides multiple assessment opportunities
Identifies student needs and makes appropriate referrals and develops strategies for individual education plans
Plans and coordinates the procedures of parapros, parents, and volunteers in the classroom and on field trips
Creates an environment for learning through functional and attractive displays interest centers and exhibits of student’s work
Provides accurate and timely reports as required by administration
Serves on the curriculum committees and assumes a leadership role in developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating curriculum in the district
Serves as a consultant in the selection of instructional materials and equipment; recommends new programs and changes in existing programs
Keeps informed of the latest developments in all curriculum areas taught in the classroom and conveys relevant information to colleagues
Pursues professional growth to improve teaching and student learning by taking course work, attending relevant workshops and conferences and reading professional journals
Arranges and set up classroom
Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and creating a climate respectful of all learners
Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior
Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and in harmony with the goals established clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, field trips, resource speakers and the like to communicate these objectives to students
Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved
Cooperative learning, conflict mediation, and class meetings training
Maintains inventory of equipment, furniture, and materials
Coordinates schedules with building staff
Participate in extracurricular activities that are a part of the total educational experience for all children
Participate in school committees, events, and programs designed to improve/enhance the overall school/district program
Able to effectively take direction, as well as, work independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to handle complex and stressful issues or situations with sound judgment, common sense, and a calm demeanor
Impeccable character, sense of humor, and compassion for students, families, and district staff
Any other duties or responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the administration
Maintains regular, reliable and punctual attendance
The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout their employment in the District

Supervisory Responsibilities: supervises students in the classroom, paraprofessional, parent volunteers, and student volunteers. Organize and plan strategies for teacher aides to use.

Qualification Requirements: to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor or Masters degree
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate, Elementary K-5 with an endorsement - SM Learning Disabilities or SE Emotional Impairment or SA Cognitive Impairment
Language Skills
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students, parents, peers, administrators, the general public, and the Board of Education.
Mathematical Skills
- Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plan and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Skilled in utilizing and delivering the manipulative math model.
Reasoning Ability
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Other Skills and Abilities
- Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on divisions and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents; skill in oral and written communication; ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies; ability to use and integrate technology such as computers, e-mail, Internet, etc. to support student learning and facilitate program management.
- Technologically literate using Chromebook computers and Google applications
- Knowledge and prior use of State of Michigan Curriculum benchmarks and grade level content expectations. Use of MDE curriculum in guiding planning, teaching and learning activities and strategies for all subject areas as well as formative and summative assessments.
- Preferred knowledge with Illuminate and PowerSchool

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 stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. The employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs such as boxes of books. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being, or the work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment: 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 function. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. Duties are performed indoors and occasionally outdoors.

Position Details:

Title: Special Education Elementary Teacher
Reports to: Ottawa Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Stacey Denison
Starting date: August 18, 2025
Calendar: Up to 186 Days
Compensation: According to BEA contract, full benefit package offered
Posting date: April 23, 2025
Application deadline: Until Filled

Application and supporting materials should be submitted using
Buchanan Community Schools’ online employment link:
http://www.buchananschools.com/employment/

Questions about the position or the district can be sent to Mrs. Denison at: sdenison@buchananschools.com

BUCHANAN BOARD OF EDUCATION
STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW

Buchanan Community Schools complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and with all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. It is the policy of the Board of Education that no person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender/sex, height, weight, marital status, or disability shall be subjected to discrimination in any program, service, or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Compliance Officers for Affirmative Action and review of Federal requirements are as follows: Section 504 and ADA; Karin Falkenstein (Special Education Supervisor, 695-8442), Title IX and Title VI; Brian Pruett (Buchanan High School Principal, 695-8404) and Shelby Beasley (Buchanan Middle School Principal, 695-8406).

Special Education Teacher - Ottawa Elementary