Long Term Substitute Teacher- Elementary Students with Cognitive Impairments (1 Position Available, Gogebic County)
Deadline: December 1, 2026
District/Organization: Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District
Position/Type: Teacher, full time
Position Details
Position Title: Long-Term Substitute Teacher - Elementary Students with Cognitive Impairments
Location: Gogebic County (Washington Elementary School, Bessemer, MI)
Program Level: Elementary Cognitive Impairment Classroom
Date Posted: October 16, 2026
Closing Date: Until Filled
Start Date: Anticipated January 4, 2027
Duration: Full-Time Temporary Assignment Anticipated until April 5th, 2027
Reports To: Alexandra Boetto, Center-Based Programs Principal
Compensation: Daily Long-Term Substitute Rate in accordance with GOISD Board Policy
Position Summary
The Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District (GOISD) is seeking a dependable, compassionate educator to serve as a Long-Term Substitute Elementary Teacher of Students with Cognitive Impairments at Washington Elementary in Bessemer, Michigan. Operating within our elementary center-based classroom setting, the substitute teacher will maintain instructional routines, implement positive behavior supports, and foster student independence, functional communication, and foundational academic growth.
Required Certified Teacher Supervision
To maintain FAPE and satisfy MARSE requirements, the district must ensure an endorsed Special Education Teacher is assigned to direct the educational programming, supervise IEP goal progress, review data, and lead IEP team decisions.
Under this supportive model, the long-term substitute works in direct partnership with the assigned certified special education teacher of record/consultant, receiving regular on-site mentorship, curricular adaptation support, and educational direction throughout the assignment.
Qualifications & Credential Pathways
Minimum Requirement:
- Eligibility for, or current possession of, a valid Michigan Daily Substitute Permit issued by the Michigan Department of Education (requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of satisfactory college credit from a regionally accredited college or university).
Preferred Credentials:
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Cognitive Impairment (SA), K-12.
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with another special education endorsement (e.g., LD, EI, ASD) eligible for temporary approval under MARSE R 340.1783.
- Valid Michigan Elementary General Education Teaching Certificate.
Additional Requirements:
- Background Check: Satisfactory completion of Michigan State Police and FBI criminal history record clearance (unprofessional conduct check pursuant to MCL 380.1230b).
- Safety Training: Current certification in, or willingness to complete, district-provided crisis de-escalation and intervention training (Safety-Care / Ukeru trauma-informed safety frameworks).
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Instructional Delivery: Deliver adapted, individualized instructional activities in foundational literacy, math, communication, social interaction, and daily living skills as planned in coordination with the certified special education teacher.
- Supervision & Data Tracking: Implement student IEP accommodations and supplementary aids; systematically record daily academic and behavioral data for review by the certified special education teacher/consultant.
- Classroom & Paraprofessional Direction: Provide structured classroom leadership, daily scheduling, and guidance to assigned classroom paraprofessionals and instructional aides.
- Behavior Management: Maintain a predictable, structured classroom culture utilizing school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and student-specific Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
- Therapeutic Collaboration: Partner with GOISD ancillary service providers (Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, School Social Workers, and Behavior Specialists) to reinforce therapeutic goals during daily activities.
- Assistive Technology: Support student use of low-tech and high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and adaptive equipment.
- Statutory Compliance: Adhere strictly to Michigan law regarding the Emergency Use of Seclusion and Physical Restraint (MCL 380.1307), student privacy protections (FERPA), and mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting laws.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Physical Requirements: Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching to assist young learners in classroom, small-group, and floor-based instructional settings.
- Lifting & Positioning: Ability to safely lift, position, and transfer students (up to 50 lbs independently, and higher weights utilizing two-person transfers or mechanical lifts) following prescribed OT/PT physical management plans.
- Personal Care Assistance: Willingness to assist students with personal care needs (hygiene, toileting, assisted feeding, and mobility support) alongside classroom paraprofessionals.
- Environment: Elementary center-based classroom housed within an elementary school building. Noise and activity levels are typical for a specialized elementary learning environment.
- Travel Requirements: This position may require occasional travel throughout Gogebic County on behalf of the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District.
Application Procedures
Interested candidates must submit a complete application packet containing:
- Letter of interest outlining availability and qualifications.
- Current resume.
- College transcripts (verifying a minimum of 60 semester credit hours) and/or copies of valid teaching certificates/substitute permits.
- Three (3) professional letters of recommendation with active contact details.
Submit Application Packets To:
Shelby Walters, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District
200 South Elm Street | PO Box 20
Ewen, MI 49925
Or email materials to: swalters@goisd.org
Questions Regarding Position Details & Classroom Support Structure:
Heidi Lauzon, Director of Special Education
Phone: (906) 575-3438, ext. 301
Email: hlauzon@goisd.org
E-mail: hlauzon@goisd.org
Website: Link
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