This position qualifies for a signing bonus up to $3000

Division: Special Education

Position Type:
Full-time, 10-Month
M- F; 7:15 am- 3:15 pm, 37.5 hours/ week
(Grade 17)

Preference Given to those who possess a Physical Education and/or Health Endorsement (MB, MX, SP, MC)

Position to be split between Valley Center School (.4) and Juvenile Home School (.6)

Summary:  Teaches basic academic and living skills to students with emotional impairments in schools and community settings by performing the following duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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

Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Kalamazoo RESA handbook.

Education and/or Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university

Certificates, License, Registration:

Michigan Teaching Certificate, endorsement/approval in Emotional Impairment

Other Skill & Abilities:

Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to diversity, inclusiveness, and anti-racism

Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultures

Ability to discuss cultural differences with colleagues and clients

Ability to assess one's own strengths and limitations or challenges and integrate this understanding into interpersonal interactions

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

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Assists with supervision of classroom paraprofessionals; carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws; responsibilities include interviewing, training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; assisting with appraisal of performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to reach with arms and hands, stand, walk and sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  The employee must support and transfer students who are unable to completely bear weight on their own with the assistance of other staff.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:  

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the district.

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.

Apply online at www.kresa.org/jobs

Kalamazoo RESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals.

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: Executive Director of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.