(1.0) Teacher of Moderately Cognitively Impaired Students

POSITION:

Livonia Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified teacher of students eligible under cognitive impairment who will be able to develop and sustain academic-focused and life-skill instruction for his/her students. The teacher will identify and implement best practices in instruction and student achievement. The teacher of the cognitively impaired will work in a multidistrict program. The job requires a wide knowledge of intervention and classroom management techniques and the ability to effectively use a variety of teaching methods and materials applicable to the student's disability. It is expected the teacher has the ability to effectively use a variety of teaching methods and materials applicable to cognitively impaired students.

DISTRICT OVERVIEW:

Livonia Public Schools employs approximately 1,800 staff members, serving approximately 13,100 students pre-K � post secondary. There are 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 career technical center, 1 early childhood center and 1 vocational and transition center in the School District. The annual budget for Livonia Public Schools is $180 million, with a state funding of $10,000 per pupil.


BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH LIVONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

Newly hired public school employees are eligible for a traditional pension and tax-deferred retirement savings accounts with an employer matching contribution. The pension component guarantees you monthly retirement benefit payments over your lifetime once you meet age and service requirements. Additionally, as a new public-school employee, you will be automatically enrolled in a Personal Healthcare Fund (PHF), which is a portable, tax-deferred investment account that can be used to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement. Livonia Public Schools will contribute a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 2% you contribute.

As an employee of Livonia Public Schools, you will be a part of a team working together in a positive work climate and a culture of mutual respect to support the successful education of children. Beyond the satisfaction of knowing you're helping thousands of students grow and learn, you will also have the satisfaction of knowing you are a team member with Livonia Public Schools, which means you will have the following perks of employment available to you:

• Medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage:
  • The district's contribution is the maximum allowed by Michigan law.
  • Family coverage eligibility for employees working 30 hours or more per week.
  • Single coverage eligibility for employees working 20 hours but less than 30 per week.
  • Optional "cash in lieu" of medical insurance for those who qualify.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance:
  • The district pays 100% of the premium for all employees.
• Long-term disability coverage:
  • The district pays 100% of the premium for employees working 20 hours or more per week.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and their eligible family members.
  • Completely confidential, short-term counseling service that utilizes a practical approach toward problem resolution and is available 7 days a week, with no cost to the employee..
• Longevity pay.
• Paid "act of God" days, such as snow days.

Additionally, the children of employees living outside the district's attendance boundaries are eligible to attend Livonia Public Schools via schools of choice working 20+ hours 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following is a list of minimum qualifications for this position, any one of which may be waived by the Administration in exercising its prerogative to determine qualifications.

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with endorsement in SA
• Applicants who are able to be temporarily approved will be considered if enrolled in a university training program for teachers of the cognitively impaired and demonstrates commitment to securing full certification as soon as possible
• A passionate commitment to improving learning for all students
• Demonstrated positive interpersonal relationships
• Skills in providing individualizing instruction
• Knowledge of the Essential Elements and TeachTown Curriculum preferred
• Evidence of ability to establish positive working relationships with all stakeholders
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of positive behavioral supports and interventions

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:

The special education teacher is assigned and responsible to the Department of Student Services, which has responsibility for the system-wide program for students with disabilities. After assignment to a building(s), the teacher reports directly to the principal and student services coordinator, who provide leadership for the implementation of the program in that building.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 

• Champion the District's mission, vision, and collective commitments to make decisions that reflect the District's philosophy that places the needs of children and their education first
• Creates a welcoming, engaging, and positive classroom climate and culture
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student
• Evaluates students through the use of formal and informal evaluation procedures to assess strengths and challenges of the students
• Uses appropriate motivational and classroom/behavior management for students with autism spectrum disorder
• Implements daily activities consistent with an understanding of the developmental needs of the student
• Initiates and maintains effective parent and community relationships
• Utilizes a working knowledge of current special education evidence based practices
• Develops and provides functional communication systems and assistive technology expertise for students
• Provides assistance to help student appropriately develop behavior and social skills
• Develops lesson plans to provide appropriate specially designed instruction related to IEP goals and objectives
• Assists in the development of FBA/ BIPs (Behavior Intervention Plans) and ensures the plans are implemented, data is collected, and plans are reviewed/revised
• Prepares progress reports and yearly evaluations; monitoring and communicating IEP goal progress in accordance with district timelines
• Facilitate the collaborative process of developing student-centered IEPs
• Adapts the curriculum, instruction, and lessons to provide individual, small-group, and whole group specially designed instruction
• Provides opportunities for students to explore life and career goals
• Maintains student records in accordance with school, district, state, and federal guidelines and statutes
• Actively participates in, and contributes to, professional learning teams at the district and school level
• Establishes and teaches expectations for student behavior to provide a safe and respectful classroom environment
• Identifies student needs and works collaboratively with other professional staff members in assessing and assisting students
• Communicates with students, parents and school counselors on student progress
• Administers and monitors IEP accommodations and progress monitoring on IEP goals and objectives
• Provides supervision and oversight to classroom staff and students throughout the assigned workday
• Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor
• Provides classroom instruction in the following skill areas: self-care, essential elements, activities of daily living, social/emotional development, leisure time, personal adjustment, and work skills

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The work year, salary, and fringe benefits will be consistent with the current agreement between the Board of Education and the Livonia Education Association. This posting will remain open until May 8, 2026 or until a qualified candidate is selected.

APPLICATIONS:

All applicants, including current LPS employees, must complete and submit an application through Applitrack, which can be accessed through the Livonia Public Schools webpage. 

Additionally, applicants must also upload:

• Letter of Interest
• Professional resume
• Copies of educational documents (transcripts/certificates)
• Three current letters of recommendation 
  
  
  
   

The Livonia Public Schools School District prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, or disability in any of its educational programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, and marital status-Director of Human Resources, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2566. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on handicap or disability-Director of Student Services, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 4815