AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Oak Park School District is committed to equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment, including recruitment,
selection, training, promotion, and retention of staff. The Board is committed to maintaining a learning/working environment in which all
individuals are treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination and harassment. There will be no tolerance for discrimination or
harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, genetic information, disability, age, or any other
illegal grounds.
DEADLINE: Until Filled POSTING DATE: August 23, 2026
BENEFITS: Comprehensive Benefits Package GRADES: K-5
SALARY: In Accordance with OPEA CBA SCHEDULE: 1.0 FTE
LOCATION: Einstein ElementaryPOSITION: Special Education CI Teacher
Department of Human Resources
13900 Granzon, Oak Park, MI 48237 | Telephone: 248-336-7703 | Fax: 248-336-7738
NOTICE OF VACANCY
DESCRIPTION:
The Special Education teacher serves students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and who have a
variety of abilities. The teacher provides both core academic instruction and specially designed instruction to
support students in both the general and special education setting. The teacher will use a variety of
instructional strategies and behavior modifications to support students to meet their individual goals and
beyond, as outlined in their IEPs. Oak Park School District (OPSD) is committed to a culture of high
expectations and continuous improvement through aligned and meaningful professional development, a
partnership with Oakland ISD services, data teams to drive instructional decisions and best practices and a
relentless focus on the whole child. OPSD is looking for a special education teacher who is intrinsically
motivated; who have a deep desire to grow professionally; who believe children deserve to learn in an
environment least restrictive and with the highest level of cultural competence; who are committed to providing
children with boundless opportunities; and who understand that initiative, rigor and grit are essential to be a
great special education teacher leader in the 21st Century.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Education/Certification
- Bachelor's Degree
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certification with a Special Education Cognitive Impairment (SA)
endorsement.
Preferred Experience
- Teaching experience with students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) at the middle
school grade level.
- A strong commitment to educating students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment, as
demonstrated by experience with co-teaching or other collaborative delivery models.
- Skilled in a variety of flexible behavior management strategies.
- Experience with implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).
- Proficient in the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and compliance laws.
- Proficient in the Seclusion and Restraint Michigan Department of Education law.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Oak Park School District is committed to equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment, including recruitment,
selection, training, promotion, and retention of staff. The Board is committed to maintaining a learning/working environment in which all
individuals are treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination and harassment. There will be no tolerance for discrimination or
harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, genetic information, disability, age, or any other
illegal grounds.
- Demonstrated ability to provide instructional leadership for all learners with an IEP.
- Experience with a diverse student and parent population.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Create an inviting and nurturing classroom that meets the needs of all learners academically, culturally,
socially and emotionally.
- Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and professionals to develop
individual education plans designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social development.
- Implement Individualized Education Programs (IEP) with highest level of integrity and fidelity.
- Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream or co-teaching classes.
- Collaborate, create and implement rigorous lessons that are engaging, meaningful and aligned with the
students' IEP, the district and state standards by grade and subject matter. Assist in all content areas
and implement the curriculum.
- Modify the general education curriculum for special needs students, based upon a variety of
instructional techniques and technologies.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects, and communicate those objectives to
students.
- Utilize evidence based on "best practices" to facilitate the prescribed curriculum for participating
students with language problems.
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive
reinforcement.
- Use multiple assessments to measure, determine and support student growth and development
throughout the school year.
- Assist special needs students in the assessment and evaluation measures required by the district.
- Demonstrate creativity and innovativeness in teaching styles to assist special needs students with
problem solving and higher order thinking skills.
- Maintain up-to-date grading for immediate student feedback and to inform instructional strategies to
meet student needs of each student.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on students' activities, as required
by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
- Establish clear expectations, routines, ownership and engaging lesson plans to provide a safe
environment for optimal academic, social and emotional growth.
- Build and maintain positive partnerships with parent/guardians to maximize student support.
- Complete monthly Medicaid billing in a timely and accurate fashion.
- Complete all annual, and re-evaluation individualized educational plans within the required district
established timeline.
- Participate in professional development opportunities that are aligned with special education, the district
and school's mission, vision and goals.
- Be an active member of the school community through, Professional Learning Communities, various
building and district committee work, the School Improvement Team and other leadership opportunities
as presented.
- Engage with student activities outside of the school day that supports the programming and traditions of
the building and district.
- Other assignments as provided by the principal or designee.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Oak Park School District is committed to equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment, including recruitment,
selection, training, promotion, and retention of staff. The Board is committed to maintaining a learning/working environment in which all
individuals are treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination and harassment. There will be no tolerance for discrimination or
harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, genetic information, disability, age, or any other
illegal grounds.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Provide an educational program that meets the educational needs of each student.
- Develop, implement, communicate and monitor IEPs per the law and OPSD standards.
- Provide instructional guidance which is consistent with District expectations and which
meets the educational needs of all students.
- Communicate with students, parents, administrators and other staff members in a professional
manner which is consistent with District and school expectations.
- Plan, implement, record data and create reports consistent with District, State and Federal mandates.
- Provide supervision which ensures a safe and nurturing work environment.
- Manage of time, equipment, and materials efficiently and maintain a physical and emotional
environment that is well-organized and student centered.
APPLICATION METHOD
EXTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified external applicants must complete an application and
upload all necessary documents on the Oakland Schools Consortium Website (please visit our HR web page
at: https://www.oakparkschools.org/departments/human-resources/ to access the Oakland Schools
Consortium website). All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the
deadline listed or until the position has been filled.
INTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified internal applicants must submit a letter of interest and
a current resume via email to Matthew Lucas, Special Education Supervisor at Oak Park School District
matthew.lucas@opsk12.org. All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later
than the deadline listed or until filled.