About Grandville Public Schools – A Community of Learners and Innovators
Grandville Public Schools (GPS) is a forward‑thinking, student‑centered district located in the vibrant city of Grandville, Michigan. Recognized for its commitment to inclusive education, cutting‑edge instructional practices, and strong community partnerships, GPS consistently ranks among the top districts in the state for academic achievement and student wellbeing. Our mission is to empower every learner—regardless of ability, background, or circumstance—to reach their full potential through high‑quality, differentiated instruction and a supportive, collaborative environment. As a district that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, we celebrate the unique strengths each educator brings to our schools and encourage innovative approaches that enhance learning for all students, especially those with cognitive impairments.
Why Join Our Team? – The Impactful Role You’ll Play
This position offers you the rare opportunity to combine your expertise in special education with a passion for fostering inclusive, functional life‑skill development. As a Certified Special Education Teacher focusing on Cognitive Impairment (CI), you will be at the forefront of delivering evidence‑based, individualized instruction that equips students with the academic, social, and daily living skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Working remotely or in a hybrid format, you will collaborate with a dynamic team of educators, therapists, and support staff to design and implement curricula that meet the diverse needs of students across Grandville High School and the broader district.
Key Responsibilities – What You’ll Do Every Day
- Individualized Instruction: Develop, deliver, and assess individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to each student’s cognitive profile, ensuring alignment with state standards and district goals.
- Inclusive Classroom Practices: Integrate and model inclusive strategies that promote participation of CI students in general education settings, fostering meaningful peer interaction and collaborative learning.
- Functional Skill Development: Design and implement functional academic lessons and daily living skill activities—such as money handling, time management, and community navigation—to support independence.
- Collaboration & Co‑Teaching: Partner with general education teachers, speech‑language pathologists, occupational therapists, and school psychologists to co‑plan and co‑teach, ensuring a cohesive support network.
- Data‑Driven Decision Making: Collect, analyze, and interpret student performance data to adjust instructional strategies, document progress, and report outcomes to families and stakeholders.
- Parent & Guardian Communication: Maintain open, respectful, and proactive communication with families, providing regular updates, resources, and guidance to reinforce learning at home.
- Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training, workshops, and district‑wide initiatives focused on best practices for teaching students with cognitive impairments.
- Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all IEPs, evaluations, and required documentation meet federal (IDEA, Section 504) and state regulations, safeguarding student rights and district accountability.
- Advocacy & Leadership: Serve as an advocate for inclusive policies, contribute to school improvement plans, and mentor new or less‑experienced special education staff.
Essential Qualifications – What We Require
- Valid Michigan teaching certification with a Special Education endorsement and a specific SA (Cognitive Impairment) endorsement.
- Demonstrated knowledge of evidence‑based instructional strategies for students with cognitive impairments, including functional curriculum development.
- Strong commitment to inclusive education and the ability to seamlessly integrate CI students into general education contexts.
- Excellent collaboration skills, with experience working alongside multidisciplinary teams to support student success.
- Effective communication abilities, both written and verbal, to engage students, families, and colleagues positively.
- Proficiency in using technology for remote instruction, data tracking, and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, learning management systems).
- Ability to manage a full teaching load (1.0 FTE) while maintaining high standards of instruction and documentation.
- Commitment to upholding the district’s equal‑opportunity policies and adherence to Title IX, Section 504, ADA, and other relevant civil rights legislation.
Preferred Qualifications – Nice‑to‑Have Additions
- Master’s degree in Special Education, Inclusive Education, or a related field.
- Experience with assistive technology and adaptive equipment to support functional independence.
- Certification or training in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
- Previous experience in a remote or hybrid teaching environment, demonstrating self‑direction and time‑management excellence.
- Professional memberships (e.g., Council for Exceptional Children, Michigan Association of Special Educators) that reflect ongoing engagement with the field.
Core Skills & Competencies – What Makes You Successful
- Instructional Design: Ability to create differentiated lesson plans that balance academic rigor with functional skill acquisition.
- Analytical Thinking: Skilled at interpreting assessment data to inform instructional adjustments and track progress toward IEP goals.
- Empathy & Patience: Sensitive to the diverse emotional and cognitive needs of students, fostering a nurturing learning environment.
- Collaboration: Strong team player who actively contributes to interdisciplinary planning and problem‑solving.
- Technology Integration: Comfortable with virtual classrooms, digital assessment tools, and remote communication platforms.
- Advocacy: Proactively champions inclusion, equity, and student rights within the school and broader community.
- Organizational Skills: Efficiently manages documentation, scheduling, and compliance requirements while maintaining instructional quality.
Career Development & Growth – Your Path Forward
Grandville Public Schools invests heavily in the professional growth of its educators. As a member of our team, you’ll have access to a robust set of development opportunities, including:
- District‑Sponsored Workshops: Quarterly training sessions on the latest research, instructional strategies, and legal updates in special education.
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing with seasoned special education leaders for guidance, feedback, and career coaching.
- Graduate Assistance: Financial support for pursuing advanced degrees or certifications related to special education.
- Leadership Track: Opportunities to transition into roles such as Special Education Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent for Special Programs, or Instructional Coach.
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Collaborative groups that focus on best practices, data analysis, and innovative curriculum design.
Work Environment & Culture – What It’s Like at GPS
Our district prides itself on an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative culture. Even though this role offers remote flexibility, you’ll remain an integral part of a vibrant community that values:
- Student‑Centric Focus: Every decision is made with the best interest of our learners in mind.
- Respectful Communication: Open dialogue among staff, families, and community partners.
- Diversity & Inclusion: A commitment to equity that celebrates varied perspectives and experiences.
- Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling options, wellness resources, and a supportive administration that understands the demands of special education.
- Technology‑Enabled Collaboration: State‑of‑the‑art virtual platforms that keep remote and on‑site staff connected.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits – What We Offer
Grandville Public Schools provides a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and certification level, along with a comprehensive benefits suite designed to support you and your family:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
- Retirement savings plan (403(b) with employer match).
- Paid professional development days and tuition reimbursement.
- Generous paid time off, including holidays, sick leave, and personal days.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and wellness support.
- Flexible work arrangements to accommodate remote or hybrid teaching.
- Access to district resources such as libraries, technology labs, and special‑education toolkits.
How to Apply – Take the Next Step Toward Meaningful Impact
If you are a dedicated, certified special education professional eager to make a difference in the lives of students with cognitive impairments, we want to hear from you. To apply, please visit the Grandville Public Schools career portal, locate the “Special Education Teacher – Cognitive Impairment (Remote/Hybrid)” posting, and submit your résumé, cover letter, and copies of your certification(s). Applications will be accepted for seven (7) business days from the posting date, after which the selection process will commence.
Join Us in Shaping Futures
At Grandville Public Schools, your expertise will not only shape academic outcomes but also empower students to lead independent, fulfilling lives. Seize this opportunity to become a catalyst for change, collaborate with passionate educators, and grow within a district that values your contributions. Apply today and embark on a rewarding journey of professional fulfillment and student success.
Apply Now