Special Education Teacher - Emotionally Impaired

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 - Emotionally Impaired at Valley Center School in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

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 
• Maintains both classroom and behavior management 
• Assists students with basic computer skills and in the resolution of computer problems 
• Actively listens and responds to student issues/concerns 
• 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 
• Meets with parents to provide support and guidance in using community resources 
• Identifies professional development programs and attends regularly to update expertise 
• 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 four-year college or university, Michigan Teaching Certificate, endorsement/approval in Emotional Impairment. 

Other 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 a 10 month calendar position in job grade 17 with an annual rate of pay between $48,490 and $102,353.

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: 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.