Niles Community Schools

Special Education Teacher - Autism

Salary: Determined by Collective Bargaining Agreement

Full-Time teaching position for the 2025-2026 school year

Reports to: Building Principal and Special Education Administrator (or designee)

Niles Community Schools is looking for a dynamic Special Education Teacher to create an appropriate learning environment, provide specialized instruction and educational programming for students with disabilities.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree
Valid Michigan teaching certificate with approval to teach students with Autism, other special education certifications could be considered.
Meet the highly qualified standards set forth by the State of Michigan

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (non-prioritized):

Utilize a variety of research-based intervention strategies, continually assessing student response to intervention, and make modifications as needed to ensure all students are successful
Act as a case coordinator by preparing for, participating in, and ensuring IEP implementation according to the school process
Ability to align student goals and objectives with district and state standards
Competent using a variety of technology applications related to both classroom management and the instructional process
Manage and instruct students on appropriate behavior using positive behavior support strategies consistent with Board policy and procedures
Comply with Medicaid billing procedures when necessary
Manage a safe, comfortable learning environment
Assist students in meeting self-help, health, and behavior needs, including toileting and personal care needs
Maintain accurate and timely records, including collecting and recording data relative to student performance on individual goals and objectives
Conduct required formal and informal evaluations to measure students’ progress
Comply with state and district policy on the use of seclusion and restraint
Maintain confidentiality at all times
Maintain effective communication and relationships with students, parents, administrators, school personnel and agency representatives
Comply with all Michigan and Federal Special Education laws/requirements
Follows established policies/procedures regarding student medical concerns, safety, student rights, emergency/disaster plans, etc.
Develop a schedule to maximize instructional time and lesson plans which reflect individual student goals
Evaluate and order instructional materials needed to provide quality programming
Promote self-advocacy with students

Other Qualifications:

Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.
Professional dress is required for this position.
CPR trained preferred
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Understanding and Utilizing current best practices in Special Education
Demonstrates knowledge of Michigan Curriculum Framework, GLCE, and Common Core
Knowledge of disabilities and their educational implications
Understanding of curriculum design and instructional strategies, planning, and developing a lesson
Use of Adaptive Technology in the Classroom
Knowledge and use of Behavioral Support Strategies

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally be able to lift or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must be able to maintain composure and function effectively in a noisy, fast-moving environment and assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of students in that environment. The employee engages in physical management with students in order to maintain a safe environment for students and others.

Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes") in its educational programs or activities. The Niles Community Schools Board of Education complies with all federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, or national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (gender), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability) may be directed to the Assistant Superintendent, compliance.officer@nilesschools.org or 269.683.6662; at 1Tyler Street, Niles, MI 49120.