Special Education Teacher - Supporting Transformative Futures in Corrections - Saint Louis, MI

Join Our Team: Empowering Minds in a Unique Educational Setting

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Special Education Teacher to join our team at the State of Michigan's Department of Corrections in Saint Louis, MI. As a Special Education Teacher - Supporting Transformative Futures (STF), you will play a vital role in providing academic instruction and special educational services to incarcerated individuals. This is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students who require specialized support. If you are a motivated and compassionate educator looking for a challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply.

About Our Organization

The State of Michigan's Department of Corrections is committed to rehabilitation and providing opportunities for personal growth and development. Our mission is to protect the public by maintaining safe and secure facilities, while also offering educational and vocational programs to help inmates become productive members of society. We believe that education is a key component of rehabilitation, and we are dedicated to providing high-quality educational services to those in our care.

Job Summary

As a Special Education Teacher - STF, you will be responsible for teaching the academic curriculum to all prisoners and providing special educational services to those determined eligible for specialized services. You will develop and implement Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and participate in Individual Educational Program Team (IEPT) meetings to qualify or disqualify prisoners for special education services. You will also provide advocacy, supplemental instructions, and assistance to eligible prisoners who require Special Education services.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IEPs for eligible prisoners, in collaboration with the IEPT
• Provide academic instruction and special educational services to incarcerated individuals
• Assess student progress and adjust instruction to meet individual needs
• Collaborate with general education teachers to provide support and accommodations
• Invite surrogate parents and/or parents to IEP and/or IEPT meetings, as necessary
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of student progress and services provided
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current on best practices in special education

Requirements and Qualifications

Education

A bachelor's degree in special education or a field of K-12 education is required.

Experience

No specific type or amount of experience is required, but candidates with experience working with students with special needs or in a correctional setting are highly valued.

Certifications and Endorsements

A current Michigan teaching certificate (or equivalent) with a special education endorsement in one or more of the following areas is required:

• Autism
• Cognitive impairment
• Emotional impairment
• Learning disabilities
• Physical education for students with disabilities
• Physical or other health impairment
• Speech and language impairment
• Visual impairment

Additional Requirements

New hires to the MDOC, as well as previous MDOC employees returning after being away from the department for more than two years, will be required to complete Non-custody New Employee Training (NCNET) - either 40 hours or 80 hours of initial in-person training, depending on their level of offender contact and job classification. All new employees will also complete additional online training to successfully complete their non-custody new employee training.

Skills and Competencies

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with students, colleagues, and parents
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Compassion, empathy, and patience when working with students
• Knowledge of special education laws and regulations

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

We are committed to supporting the professional growth and development of our employees. As a Special Education Teacher - STF, you will have opportunities to:

• Participate in ongoing training and professional development
• Collaborate with colleagues to share best practices and resources
• Take on leadership roles and contribute to departmental initiatives
• Develop your skills and expertise in special education

Work Environment and Company Culture

Our work environment is unique and challenging, but also rewarding and supportive. As a Special Education Teacher - STF, you will work in a correctional facility, behind a secure perimeter. You will be part of a team that is dedicated to rehabilitation and providing opportunities for personal growth and development. Our company culture values:

• Compassion and empathy for our students
• Excellence in education and service delivery
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and creativity
• Integrity and professionalism

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range of $26.18 - $46.22 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Ongoing training and professional development

Conclusion

If you are a dedicated and passionate special education teacher looking for a challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Special Education Teacher - STF, you will have the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals and contribute to our mission of rehabilitation and education. We look forward to hearing from you!