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.
From PDF Description
Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency
Job Description
Job Title: Special Education Teacher, Emotionally Impaired
Reports To: Principal and/or Program Administrator
FLSA Status: Exempt
Prepared By: Special Education
Approved By: Human Resources
Prepared Date: 08/2004
Last Revised Date: 09/2025
Summary:
Teaches basic academic and living skills to students with emotional impairments in schools and
community settings.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• 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
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:
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Michigan Teaching Certificate, endorsement/approval in Emotional Impairment.
Other Skills & Abilities:
• 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
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 and frequently lift and/or move up to 50
pounds. The employee must, when necessary, be able to physically transport a student, using approved
methods and the assistance of other staff, to maintain the safety of the students and building staff.
The employee may need to intervene physically from time to time with students whose actions are
creating imminent danger and use Ukeru techniques to keep the student and others safe.
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 their employment in the district.
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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.
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