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 an ASD Teacher at WoodsEdge Learning Center in Portage, Michigan, working at Great Lakes Center for Autism Residential. 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 curriculum and prepares lessons and other instructional materials according to achievement levels of students
Provides direct instruction and supervision of students within school/community setting
Confers with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and others to develop individual educational programs for students who are at different learning ability levels
Attends MET, IEPT and/or IFSP meetings
Instructs students in academic subjects, utilizing various teaching techniques
Instructs students in daily living skills required for independent living and economic self-sufficiency such as hygiene, safety, and food preparation
Observes, evaluates, and prepares reports on progress of students
Meets with parents to provide support and guidance in using community resources
Administers and interprets results of ability and achievement tests
Regular and consistent attendance
Other duties as assigned

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree (B.A or B.S) from a four-year college or university and a special education endorsement in autism. A K-12 Michigan Certification; Autistic Impaired Endorsement is also required. Other preferred skills and abilities include:

Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to our core values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity), Culture & Belonging, and Continuous Improvement
Embraces and supports KRESA’s vision of a transformative, equitable and innovative education for all in the Greater Kalamazoo region.
Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of identities and lived experiences
Ability to discuss differences with colleagues and clients in a manner that supports building positive working relationships
Attitude of acceptance and esteem for students
Ability to communicate effectively including listening
Keeps administrator abreast of classroom status
Ability to efficiently use computer and applicable software
Ability to problem solve
Ability to write reports
Present ideas and information in a manner that gets student’s attention, and which encourages their engagement
Maintain confidentiality
Develop instructional strategies to meet classroom goals
Adapt to frequent changes in the work environment
Practice safe work habits
Develop and maintain atmosphere of teamwork
Use equipment and material properly
Plan for additional resources as needed

This is an 11 month calendar position in job grade 17 with an annual rate of pay between $52,819.00 and $116,506.00.

KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that includes 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 supportive and caring 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: Executive Director 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.

ASD Teacher at GLAC Residential