The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) is a critical part of Michigan’s education system serving the Greater Kalamazoo region and provides specialized services to schools and communities and optimizes resources by centralizing innovative programs and services. We partner with school districts and the broader community to offer essential programs including early childhood education, special education, career learning, and educator development, ensuring that learners of all ages receive the support they need.

We are currently seeking a Special Education Teacher, Emotional Impairment (SE) (This position qualifies for a signing bonus up to $3,000) at Juvenile Home School in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

About Us

At the KRESA Juvenile Home School, we believe that every student—no matter their past—deserves a future full of possibility. That’s why our 100% vision is rooted in transformation:

100% of our students will set and achieve three personalized “stretch” goals each semester—one academic, one social-emotional, and one personal.

We serve adjudicated youth in a secure residential setting and in a day-treatment setting. Our students face complex challenges—but with the right relationships, supports, and structure, they thrive.

We are not just a school. We are a team of trauma-responsive educators, support staff, caseworkers, and probation officers committed to breaking cycles and building futures. Our core values—Safety, Kindness, and Accountability—are not just posted on walls. They guide every interaction, every day.

If you want to make real impact in a place where your work matters, your team shows up, and no student is written off, you’ll find your calling here.

About You

This role is ideal for a certified teacher with an Emotional Impairment (EI) endorsement, and/or a Secondary Math endorsement, or someone eager to pursue those credentials with our support.

You might be the right fit if you:

Believe that students are more than the sum of their mistakes
Know how to set high expectations with warmth, clarity, and consistency
Use restorative practices and de-escalation techniques to support behavior
Craft meaningful, standards-aligned lessons—even for reluctant learners
Build trust with students who’ve experienced trauma or been let down before
Know how to pivot: when one strategy fails, you try another
Love working on a team and sharing what works
Are reflective, resilient, and relentlessly committed to student growth

This role isn’t for everyone. But if you’re serious about equity, are emotionally intelligent, and mission-driven—we can’t wait to meet you.

The essential responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

Align services with KRESA Core Values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity) and Culture & Belonging principles to engage and serve all students
Plans curricula and prepares lessons and other instructional materials to meet individual needs of students, considering such factors as physical, emotional and educational levels
Confers with parents, administrators, psychologists, social workers, and others to develop individual educational programs for students who are at different learning ability levels
Instructs students in academic subjects, social interactions and life skills utilizing various teaching techniques
Schedules, participates in, and/or conducts MET, IEPT meetings
Teaches socially acceptable behavior employing techniques such as behavior modification, positive reinforcement, etc
Assists students with basic computer skills and in the resolution of computer problems
Observes students for signs of disruptive behavior such as violence, verbal outbursts and episodes of destructiveness
Observes, evaluates, and prepares reports on progress of students
Identifies professional development programs and attends regularly to update expertise

Qualified candidates will have bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) four-year college or university. Michigan Teaching Certificate, endorsement/approval in Emotional Impairment (or willing to obtain). Preferred certificate in Secondary Mathematics.

(Preference given to those who have a Secondary Math Endorsement and/or those who have an EI endorsement, and/or those who are willing to obtain the preferred credentials.)

This is a 10-month calendar position (37.5 hours/ week/7:15 am- 3:15 pm.) in job grade 17 with an annual rate of pay between $47,077.00 and $92,787.00.

KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that include health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits through Michigan’s Office of Retirement Services, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness and wellness incentives – all within a fun and enjoyable culture centered around our values of collaboration, innovation, compassion, integrity, and respect.

A Great Place to Live and Work

Kalamazoo was recently recognized as a great place to live in the 2024 50 Best Places to Live roundup by Money.com. Kalamazoo was noted for its abundant family-friendly activities and appreciation for artisan-crafted goods, as well as the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship for each Kalamazoo Public School resident graduate that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education.

Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Special Education Teacher- EI with focus on Mathematics