Teacher – Cognitively Impaired in Eaton

Under the direct supervision of the Principal – Meadowview School, and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Teacher – Cognitively Impaired (CI) performs a variety of tasks necessary to support direct and indirect instruction for cognitively impaired students in the county. The Teacher – Cognitively Impaired develops and implements an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) for each student. The teacher provides direct student instruction and coordinates the work of instructional aides and other support staff. This individual will strive to team with related service staff, parents and other outside agencies in helping each individual student reach his or her maximum potential.

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based assessment, instruction and interventions that are matched to student needs using data-driven instructional decision-making, problem solving and progress monitoring through a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework to positively impact student growth and achievement.
• Determine and implement a curriculum appropriate to specific classroom assignment.
• Develop and implement an individual education plan (IEP) for each student.
• Plan daily instructional activities to reflect individual student needs.
• Provide direct instruction and use appropriate and research-based instructional practices within the classroom.
• Work cooperatively with related services staff (e.g., Speech, OT, PT, SSW).
• Evaluate student progress as determined by the IEP.
• Communicate regularly with parents and home-care providers regarding each student’s progress.
• Provide educational and training information to instructional aides.
• Participate in planned professional development activities.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisor, particularly regarding special needs of individual students.
• Participate with peers in staff meetings, student staffings, and other scheduled events.
• Maintain student attendance records.
• Maintain records of progress toward program outcomes for each student and document special incidents, which may occur.
• Complete regular reports on student progress.
• Coordinate and guide the work of the classroom instructional aides.
• Ensure that classroom equipment, materials and supplies are maintained in clean, safe and proper working condition.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Michigan Teacher Certification with a Cognitive Impairment (CI) endorsement.
• Obtain and maintain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) – Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification.
• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis on cognitive impairment.
• Desired: Possession of a master’s degree in special education with an emphasis on cognitive impairment.
• One (1) year or more experience as a teacher of the cognitively impaired.
• One (1) year or more experience developing and implementing individualized education plans.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the methods and processes of providing instruction to cognitively impaired students.
• Knowledge of positive behaviour supports, communication supports and other accommodations and modifications as appropriate to the individual student.
• Skill in classroom management and individualized educational programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality in dealing with all stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and within teams to accomplish identified goals and strategies.

Physical Effort & Working Conditions

• Sitting – possibility of long periods of time.
• Standing/Walking/Bending/Stooping – frequent, consistent with typical classroom environment.
• Lifting – minimal; using lifting protocols and devices.
• Position requires moderate physical strength, mobility and dexterity to perform the job tasks.
• Position may require work evenings, weekends, and summer months.
• Position requires the employee to provide his/her own transportation for job related travel.
• Position requires regular and predictable attendance at the workplace.