Special Education Teacher: Elementary SCI

Job Identification: 

• Job Title: Teacher
• School: Ottawa Area Center (OAC)
• Reports to: OAC Director 
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Bargaining Unit: Ottawa Area Education Association 

Job Summary:
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate SCI special education teacher to provide instruction and support to elementary aged students with severe cognitive impairments and autism. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by providing individualized instruction, fostering student growth, and creating a supportive, inclusive learning environment. The teacher will collaborate with a team of professionals to meet each student’s educational and developmental needs.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to each student’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs.
• Adapt curriculum and teaching methods to meet diverse learning styles and developmental levels.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies, assistive technology, and specialized equipment to enhance learning.
• Implement behavioral intervention plans and positive behavior supports to address challenging behaviors.
• Provide personal care assistance as needed, which may include lifting, positioning, or mobility support.
• Collaborate with paraprofessionals, therapists (OT, PT, Speech), nurses, and other service providers.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians to share progress, strategies, and resources.
• Monitor and document student progress toward IEP goals using data collection and progress monitoring systems to ensure compliance with state and federal special education requirements.
• Create a safe, structured, and nurturing classroom environment that promotes student independence and self-advocacy.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to remain current on best practices in special education.
• Foster student physical well-being by assisting with adaptive swimming and pool activities.
• Promote community integration by safely transporting students to local venues providing direct support with community based activities. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or related field required. 
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with endorsement in Cognitive Impairment (SA) 
• Preferred: CPR and CPI certification.
• Experience teaching within the SCI Continuum and supporting students with autism and challenging behaviors.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of special education laws, IEP processes, and instructional strategies for SCI students.
• Ability to implement behavior intervention strategies and maintain a safe classroom environment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary educational team.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students and families.
• Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to lift and move students with or without the use of mechanical assistance.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the classroom environment for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing wheelchairs, and positioning students.
• Ability to intervene with student behaviors to ensure student and staff safety.
• Work occurs primarily within a center-based educational setting.

Compensation and Employment Details:

• Salary: $56,486+ Per OAEA Agreement
• Schedule: Full-time, semi-balanced calendar of 190 days
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance with the option for cash-in-lieu of insurance. Participation in the Michigan public school retirement system and additional benefits as outlined in the applicable bargaining agreement.

Notices:

Job Description Changes: Job descriptions may be subject to change based on the OAISD’s needs.  This is meant to describe a basic overview of qualifications, role, and duties.  It is not an exhaustive or fully comprehensive list as other duties may be assigned.

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively “Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment. Civil Rights Coordinators are located at OAISD, 13663 Port Sheldon St. Holland, MI 49424 to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures.  Telephone (616) 738-8940 Ext: 4091.