Special Education Teacher (Emotional Impairment Classroom)

Department: Special Education

Reports To: Special Education Supervisor

Date Revised: March 13, 2025

Summary:

The Special Education Teacher will provide specialized instruction/case management to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities that exhibit significant behavior challenges. Responsible for the coordination of the activities of the assigned paraprofessionals and support staff providing services for the students in the assigned classroom.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Special Education Teacher shall have duties and responsibilities which include, but are not limited to the following:

Conduct a classroom program for students with severe behavioral/social emotional challenges. The curriculum may include: basic academic skills, prevocational and personal regulation/pro-social skills..
Teachers of this specialized program should possess a commitment to severe emotionally impaired programs and curriculum. This may include enhanced knowledge and desire to be trained in the following areas: trauma-based instruction, crisis prevention, behavioral related needs/instructional strategies, physical management, Michigan’s Seclusion and Restraint policies and collaboration with regional agencies.
A sincere respect and caring for students whose behavior is often difficult to manage.
Plan and implement lesson plans aligned to the goals and objectives reflected on the IEP following district curriculum and intervention resources.
Communicate effectively and collaboratively with students, parents, other school personnel, and partners from outside agencies.
Implementation of classroom behavior management system that may include daily documentations of student’s behavior.
Work collaboratively with School Psychologists, School Social Workers, and other pertinent team members in order to promote student success and growth.
Development and implementation of the IEP in accordance with Special Education rules, regulations, and timelines.
Demonstrate effective interpersonal and teamwork skills that lend to problem-solving in a professional and constructive manner.
Complete case manager responsibilities for students assigned.
Prepares report cards, educational records, IEP progress reports, classroom observations, and other progress monitoring or documentation as required by the position.
Maintains documentation for School Service Program Medicaid for eligible students.
Implement building wide positive behavior management (PBIS).
Participate in Functional Behavior Assessments and implement Behavior Intervention Plans as required.
Create a positive learning environment for students.
Supervise, coach and support paraprofessionals. Participate in paraprofessional evaluations as appropriate.
Support personal care of students.
Actively participate in school-wide events, staff meetings, inservices, and committees as appropriate.
Maintain accurate attendance and records.
Meet deadlines for data, reports, and paperwork as directed.
Ability to work independently.

Essential Functions:

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 Special Education Teacher must be able to do the following:

Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and crouching to support students at their level.
Must be sufficiently mobile to effectively supervise and assist with students, including the ability to escort or restrain students as needed and when trained.
May be required to administer medications to students, when trained.
Ability to respond quickly to crises or emergencies.
Capability to implement de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques, including safe physical restraint if trained (e.g., CPI, Ukeru).
Strength to assist in student redirection, including guiding or escorting students to designated areas.
Ability to react swiftly to prevent harm to self, students, and staff.
Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds (e.g., assisting students in mobility, redirecting behavior, or managing classroom materials).
Assisting students with daily living tasks, such as hygiene, dressing, or sensory needs, if required.
Sustaining a high-energy, engaging presence throughout the school day.
Managing physically and emotionally demanding situations while maintaining composure.
Providing consistent classroom structure and support in an unpredictable environment.
Writing, typing, and using technology for documentation and instruction.
Manipulating instructional materials and assistive technology as needed.
Engaging in physical activities with students, such as structured movement breaks.
Tolerating loud noises, unexpected behaviors, and sensory-seeking actions from students.
Remaining vigilant and responsive to environmental cues that may trigger student behaviors.
Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance. Presence on the job is an employee’s fundamental obligation.
Remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace through their employment in the district.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Have a valid Michigan teaching certificate with special education endorsement in Emotional Impairment (EI) or willingness to obtain EI endorsement.
Experience as a teacher of students with emotional impairment preferred
Trained or willingness to be trained in Crisis Prevention (CPI), Ukeru, or an equivalent nonviolent crisis intervention program
Valid Michigan driver’s license.
Pass background check.

Disclaimer: This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.

The AMA ESD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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