Special Education Teacher Grades 5-7

Buchanan Community Schools is welcoming applicants for a Special Education Teacher at Buchanan Middle School, grades 5-7. The district seeks qualified applicants to provide learning instruction for reading, writing, and mathematics in the elementary program.

General duties and responsibilities:

• Teach district approved curriculum
• Create and maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate for the abilities and needs of the assigned group of students
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized instructional programs (IEPs) for each student on their caseload
• Actively participate in REED meetings and lead IEP meetings
• Analyze and use data from: NWEA, M-STEP, DIBELS, Delta Math, and AIMS Web to inform academic planning, instruction, and assessment of student as well as their IEP goals and objectives
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities and maintain inventory of aforementioned items
• Employ a variety of instructional methods and techniques, appropriate to the needs and abilities of the assigned group of students
• Construct lesson plans for teaching the adopted standards, establish clear objectives for each lesson, and communicate these objectives to students and parents
• Assume primary responsibility for implementing all school and classroom policies and rules governing student life and conduct both in the classroom, as well as any other school or supervisory setting
• Using a variety of methods, assess students’ progress toward the above mentioned goals and objectives and communicate this progress to the student, parent, and school administration through regular progress reports, parent conferences, individualized parent communication systems (phone calls, agendas, etc.) and other forums as appropriate
• Instruct students’ social growth and citizenship development by setting and maintaining standards of classroom behavior
• Encourage students to set goals and maintain standards of classroom behavior
• Assume primary responsibility for the creation and implementation of the educational program for students identified with disabilities and placed on the teacher’s caseload
• Work in partnership with regular education teachers in all matters involving inclusion and main streaming of special education students into regular classes. Be a “partner” in the teaching team and work with regular education students as available and needed
• Conduct ongoing periodic formative and summative evaluations of student progress and make recommendations concerning curriculum areas to be emphasized and needed accommodations
• Supervise students in all classroom and non-classroom settings as assigned
• Maintain accurate and complete attendance records
• Be available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day
• Make reasonable attempts to maintain current professional knowledge. Attend and participate in all assigned professional development activities
• Participate actively in the implementation of the middle school concept and the teaming model in place at Buchanan Middle School
• Work cooperatively at all times with team members and other school staff towards the accomplishment of the mission and curriculum of Buchanan Middle School
• Apply current research-based practices and theory to classroom instruction
• Utilize professional written and oral communication skills at both adult and student levels
• Develop positive relationships with administration, colleagues, parents, students, and remain a cooperative team player in any group setting
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and in harmony with the goals established clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, field trips, resource speakers and the like to communicate these objectives to students
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved
• Cooperative learning, conflict mediation, and class meetings training
• Coordinates schedules with building staff
• Participate in extracurricular activities that are a part of the total educational experience for all children
• Participate in school committees, events, and programs designed to improve/enhance the overall school/district program
• Able to effectively take direction, as well as, work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to handle complex and stressful issues or situations with sound judgment, common sense, and a calm demeanor
• Impeccable character, sense of humor, and compassion for students, families, and district staff
• Any other duties or responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the administration
• Maintains regular, reliable and punctual attendance
• The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout their employment in the District

Supervisory Responsibilities: supervises students in the classroom, paraprofessional, parent volunteers, and student volunteers. Organize and plan strategies for teacher aides to use as needed.

Qualification Requirements: to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience
• • Bachelor or Masters degree
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• • Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate K-12 with SM - Learning Disabilities, SE Emotional Impairment or SA Cognitive Impairment endorsement
• Language Skills
• • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students, parents, peers, administrators, the general public, and the Board of Education.
• Mathematical Skills
• • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plan and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Skilled in utilizing and delivering the manipulative math model.
• Reasoning Ability
• • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Other Skills and Abilities
• • Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on divisions and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents; skill in oral and written communication; ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies; ability to use and integrate technology such as computers, e-mail, Internet, etc. to support student learning and facilitate program management.
  • Technologically literate using Chromebook computers and Google applications
  • Knowledge and prior use of State of Michigan Curriculum benchmarks and grade level content expectations. Use of MDE curriculum in guiding planning, teaching and learning activities and strategies for all subject areas as well as formative and summative assessments.
  • Demonstrated competency with Illuminate (online special education monitoring system)
  • Demonstrated competency with Illuminate (online special education monitoring system)
  • Successful experience teaching students with a variety of disabilities: ASD, CI, EI, or LD.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. The employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs such as boxes of books. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being, or the work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. Duties are performed indoors and occasionally outdoors.

Position Details:

• Title: Special Education Teacher
• Reports to: Buchanan Middle School Principal, Mrs. Shelby Beasley
• Starting date: 2026-27 School Year
• Calendar: Up to 185 Days
• Compensation: According to BEA contract, full benefit package offered
• Posting date: July 6, 2026
• Application deadline: July 20, 2026 or Until Filled

Application and supporting materials should be submitted using
Buchanan Community Schools’ online employment link:
http://www.buchananschools.com/employment/

Questions about the position or the district can be sent to Mrs. Beasley at: sbeasley@buchananschools.com

BUCHANAN BOARD OF EDUCATION
STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW

Buchanan Community Schools complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and with all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. It is the policy of the Board of Education that no person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender/sex, height, weight, marital status, or disability shall be subjected to discrimination in any program, service, or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Compliance Officers for Affirmative Action and review of Federal requirements are as follows: Section 504 and ADA; Callie Campbell (Director of Special Education, 695-8442), Title IX and Title VI; Brian Pruett (Buchanan High School Principal, 695-8404) and Shelby Beasley (Buchanan Middle School Principal, 695-8406).