Henry Ford Academy Special Education Teacher

HENRY FORD ACADEMY - SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Henry Ford Academy is seeking a full-time Special Education Teacher to join our dedicated team of educators for the 2025-2026 school year. Under the direction of the Building Principal, Assistant Principal and Special Education Coordinator, the Licensed Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities; Evaluates and assesses student progress against instructional objectives; follows State mandated due process procedures and functions as IEP Caseload Manager to assigned students. HFA is a public charter school that participates in the Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System and is part of the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS).

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s IEP
• Assesses student progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques
• Employs various teaching techniques, strategies, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals
• Develops and implements annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students to include: present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and the special education and related services required to meet those goals
• Works cooperatively with child study team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies
• Creates a positive learning experience with emphasis in individualized instruction using appropriate sources including technology and/or assistive technology
• Serves as primary contact for the parent
• Conducts special education evaluations and reevaluations
• Provides direction, supervision and evaluation of educational assistants as directed
• Complies with Henry Ford Board of Directors policies and all state/federal rules and regulations
• Completes all district and state reporting requirements
• Employs and implements a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures
• Collaborates and consults with educational professionals and community service providers (i.e., social services, public health, medical providers etc.) regarding the needs of students
• Provides consultation to classroom teachers regarding classroom accommodations, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities

Qualifications:

• Minimum B.A/B.S degree in teaching from an accredited institution in the appropriate special education area
• Current State of Michigan teaching license in required content area
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of special education and endorsed/specialty area
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching of students with disabilities
• Ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior
• Ability to deliver and articulate oral presentations and written reports
• Ability to effectively analyze needs and problems objectively
• Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the school program
• Knowledge and skills in working with children with various disabilities
• Desire to work with high school students and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience working with students in individual and group settings.
• Ability to communicate at various levels with students, parents, staff, and volunteers.

Special Skills/Requirements:

• Ability to work as part of a team in a public school academy that includes teachers, teacher interns, administrators, support staff and volunteers.
• Self-motivated, multi-tasking ability; able to stay focused in a distracting, noisy environment; ability to work with people in a positive manner; able to keep sensitive information confidential; able to respond effectively and maintain a calm environment in emergencies.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 50 pounds (and/or up to adult size body weight with two-to-three-person lift). Position can require some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior.

Schedule/Working Conditions/Compensation:

• Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Very active high school with two campuses in a unique, vibrant Museum and historical Village setting
• Placement in Henry Ford Museum and/or Village Campuses.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid time off and holidays
• Participates in the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)