Special Education Teacher Jobs in Michigan
Special Education Teacher jobs in Michigan are in strong and steady demand, concentrated in public K-12 school districts, charter schools, intermediate school districts, and residential treatment facilities, with openings at every level from paraprofessional-to-teacher transitions through lead special education positions. Detroit Public Schools Community District, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Lansing School District are among the largest hirers, and Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing anchor the most active markets in the state. Autism spectrum support, emotional impairment instruction, and learning disabilities specializations draw the most consistent openings across Michigan districts. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 200+ Special Education Teacher jobs







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Position Type:
Special Education and Student Support Services
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Date Posted:
10/30/2026
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Location:
Great Lakes Elementary School
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Date Available:
TBD
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Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
Position: Elementary Special Education Resource Teacher
Posting Dates: October 30, 2026 � Until Filled
Reports To: Great Lakes Elementary Principal
Beginning: TBD**Minimum starting salary for all certified teachers is $55,000. Go here to read more about our passion of supporting new teachers.**
Qualifications:
- Valid Michigan teaching certificate with Special Education endorsement required.
- Knowledge of evidence-based instruction, behavior supports, and IEP development
- Ability to implement positive behavior support plans for students with a range of needs, including those with autism
- Strong collaboration skills with general education staff, families, and support service providers
- Familiarity with Michigan special education laws and compliance requirements
Job Responsibilities:
- Provide targeted small group and/or individualized instruction aligned with students' IEP goals
- Develop and implement effective lesson plans using evidence-based instructional strategies Support students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, including those with autism and other developmental differences
- Implement behavior support plans and positive behavior interventions consistently
- Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusive practices and differentiated instruction
- Conduct assessments and monitor student progress toward IEP goals
- Write and maintain accurate, compliant IEPs in collaboration with IEP teams
- Participate in IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and student support team meetings Maintain communication with families regarding student progress and strategies for support
- Use data to inform instruction and adjust interventions as needed
- Provide accommodations and modifications to=ensure student access to the general education curriculum
- Manage and organize documentation, schedules, and caseload responsibilities
- Support transitions between instructional settings (general education, small group, etc.) Collaborate with related service providers (e.g., speech, OT, social work, BCBA)
- Foster student independence and a positive classroom environment
- Stay current with best practices and special education laws and policies
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
- Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles.
- Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
- Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and making fine discriminations in sound.
- Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
- The worker is subject to environmental conditions.
- The worker should provide consistent and reliable in-person attendance.
POST IMMEDIATELY
Apply online at www.westottawa.netThe West Ottawa Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, height, weight, marital or family status, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The District's Compliance Officers shall handle inquiries regarding the Board's non-discrimination policies and address any complaint of discrimination.
Preparing All Students to be College, Career, and Life Ready
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Position Type:
See All 200+ Special Education Teacher Jobs in Michigan
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Find JobsSpecial Education Teacher Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Special Education Teacher Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Michigan Association of School Boards32

- National Heritage Academies12

- Springfield Local School District8
- Ann Arbor Public Schools7

- Grand Rapids Public Schools7

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Banking & Financial Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education teacher jobs across Michigan.
- Active Michigan K-12 special education teacher certificate issued by the Michigan Department of Education
- Bachelor's or master's degree in special education or a closely related field
- Experience writing and implementing Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities
- Knowledge of Michigan's special education law and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- Ability to collaborate with general education teachers, related service providers, and families
- Proficiency with assistive technology tools and differentiated instructional strategies for diverse learners
Special Education Teacher Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a special education teacher in Michigan?
To become a special education teacher in Michigan, you must earn a state-issued teaching certificate with a special education endorsement through the Michigan Department of Education. This requires completing an approved educator preparation program at an accredited Michigan college or university, passing the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification exams relevant to special education, and fulfilling a student teaching placement. Specific endorsements cover areas such as learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, emotional impairment, and cognitive impairment.
How much do special education teachers make in Michigan?
Special education teachers in Michigan earn a median of about $75,860 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $47,050 for the lowest 10% to over $103,290 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire special education teachers in Michigan?
Employers hiring special education teachers in Michigan right now include Michigan Association of School Boards, National Heritage Academies, and Springfield Local School District, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's intermediate school districts, such as Wayne RESA and Kent ISD, also hire regularly across multiple districts and are reliable sources of openings throughout the state.
Which Michigan cities have the most special education teacher jobs?
Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor have the most special education teacher openings in Michigan. Detroit leads because of the size of its public school district and the density of charter and residential programs, while Grand Rapids and Lansing reflect strong district enrollment and the presence of major intermediate school district offices that hire across surrounding suburban and rural communities.
Are there remote special education teacher jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're rare. About 21% of special education teacher openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how hands-on and legally prescribed the role is by nature. The portions of the work most likely to be conducted remotely include IEP drafting, consultation with families, and certain coaching or supervisory roles within larger district administrative teams.
How can I get hired as a special education teacher in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a paraprofessional or special education classroom aide position within a Michigan public school district while completing your teacher certification. Large districts including Detroit Public Schools Community District and Grand Rapids Public Schools regularly hire aides and paraprofessionals, and many offer grow-your-own or residency-style pipelines for candidates pursuing certification. Completing your Michigan Test for Teacher Certification exams and securing a special education endorsement before applying to teaching roles gives you a clear competitive edge.
Where can I find and apply to special education teacher jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to special education teacher jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across school districts, charter schools, and educational organizations throughout the state. Find the roles that fit your endorsement area and experience level and apply directly to each one.
See All 200+ Special Education Teacher Jobs in Michigan
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