About Our Academy
Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest? Or what it may be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse? Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) don't wonder what they know! Come be a part of our 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand your child’s love of learning. Working gardens, nature trails, forests, wetlands and prairies are all available for students to explore. WMAES students transition from desks to dirt, creating an environment for all students to learn. WMAES knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.
Qualities of a Successful Candidate:
- A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
- An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
- A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
- Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.
About the role
To provide comprehensive speech and language support to students, fostering effective communication skills and enhancing overall academic success. They are dedicated to conducting thorough assessments, diagnosing speech and language disorders, and developing tailored intervention plans. By collaborating with teachers, parents, and other professionals, they aim to create a holistic support system that addresses individual needs. Through targeted therapy sessions and evidence-based techniques, they strive to improve articulation, language fluency, and social communication. Additionally, they play a vital role in advocating for students' communication needs within the school community and promoting a positive and inclusive learning environment.
What you'll do
Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation:
- Assesses, screens, and evaluates students, sharing results with parents and educational staff
- Analyzes data to assess, monitor, and inform instruction for student growth
- Participates in the eligibility determination process according to MARSE and ISD/RESA guidelines
- Provides relevant instruction based on IEP and best practices, demonstrating knowledge of child growth and individual student needs
- Offers consultative services for school staff, facilitating interventions and techniques for targeted students
- Provides in-service/training for staff as needed
- Attends special education professional development
- Bills Medicaid in a timely manner
IEP Development, Documentation, and Compliance:
- Develops and implements IEPs for students with Speech/Language Impairment
- Assists with IEPs for students with speech/language as a service annually or as required
- Ensures compliance with Medicaid requirements for school-based claiming
- Submits student progress information and records
- Utilizes the special education management system for all IEP documents
- Maintains confidential records of individual students according to FERPA guidelines
- Delivers direct and consultative therapeutic services for expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language
- Collaborate with the IEP team
- Follow the MARSE rules, IDEA, and county guidelines
Relationships and Meetings:
- Establishes cooperative relationships with administrative and school staff
- Communicates and collaborates with parents and the school community to support student success and engagement
- Participates in meetings to address student goals, needs, and legal requirements
- Attends special education training offered by Choice Schools Associates, L.L.C.
- Contributes to school activities
- Maintains consistent attendance and adheres to work hours
- Implements and complies with Academy policies and procedures
- Performs assigned duties in accordance with Academy policies and procedures
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s Degree
- Valid State certification with appropriate licenses
- Demonstrated competence in all areas of focus
- Speech pathology case reporting and writing experience
Desired Requirements:
- Knowledge of and ability to follow and implement the IEP process
- Knowledge of and skills working with students from all backgrounds
- Knowledge of and skills in best practice instruction specific to various disabilities
- Ability to coordinate with students, parents, and staff, individually and in groups
- Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary
- Exemplary work habits verified by previous employers
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to operate a computer and the skills to learn and utilize software and other technology in instruction
About Choice Schools Associates
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, WMAES is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.