An Equal Opportunity Employer
MSA does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, affectional preference, disability, genetic testing, age (except as required by law), marital status or status with regards to public assistance. Individuals will not be excluded from employment rights, participation in or be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program, service or activity under the provisions of any and all applicable federal, state, and local laws against discrimination. MSA prohibits the harassment of any employee or job applicant.
MSA People Paradigm The work of being an educator should be joyous and fulfilling, yet amid the complexities of modern education, that joy is often lost. We aim to offer educators a professional home — a place where joy is rekindled in a safe, purposeful, and collaborative environment grounded in rigor and relationships. MSA staff value teamwork and share responsibility for nurturing a culture of genuine trust and mutual care — one that reflects the ethos, “I will always have your back because I know you will always have mine.” MSA teachers are expected to be good teammates — and can expect to be surrounded by good teammates in return. We take collective ownership for both the problems and the progress, believing that real fulfillment comes not from ease, but from craftsmanship — from building solutions together with integrity and care. While we may not have every answer to the challenges that arise, we believe that together we have what it takes to find them. We hold that: Challenge is an act of respect — rigor and joy belong together. Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. Collaboration and communication make our work better and more meaningful. Equity, empathy, and inclusion anchor every classroom and relationship. Adaptability, humor, and humility mark a mature professional community. Key Responsibilities Classroom Instruction Promote the MSA Mission and Vision in all communications and interactions. Embody MSA Core Values in daily activities. Serve as a case manager and carry out all steps and procedures of the Special Education assessment process including: the preparation of all due process forms; assessment procedures; determining eligibility; needs; recommendations; written evaluations; monitors student schedules for appropriateness throughout the year; meeting with parents and staff to share results. Complete all required due process paperwork required and/or mandated by the state and federal laws or as required by MSA. Develop, implement, and monitor strategies to support students’ functional and social/emotional development as appropriate. Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment. Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction. Treat all students in an equitable manner. Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures. Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of MSA. Utilize proper students’ preferred pronouns and name(s) in class and when communicating with parents/guardians. Provide timely feedback to students on all assigned work. Prepare required reports on students and activities. Participate in department, school, and parent meetings. Assist in adapting curriculum and materials to best fit the needs of identified students. Assess student progress and determine the need for additional reinforcement or adjustment to instructional plans/techniques/IEPs/goals. Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities. Assist in adapting curriculum and materials to best fit the needs of students. Observe and evaluate student’s performance and development. Assign and grade class work, homework, test, and assignments. Comply with all 504 and Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodations and modifications for classroom students. Collaborate with Educational Assistants on behavioral and academic areas of concern for students they support. Prepare a yearly budget for classroom resources. Additional functions: Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds. Attend and participate in 8 am Wednesday staff meetings. Encourage parent and community involvement. Obtain information for parents when requested. Promptly return phone calls and respond to emails. Participate in appropriate professional development activities. Monitor hallways before school, between class periods, and after school. Participate as an active member in governance and service activities. Participate in extracurricular activities such as social activities, sporting activities, clubs, and student organizations as directed. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills Required: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and /or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education: BA/BS degree in teaching from an accredited institution or related teaching field is required; a MA/MS degree is preferred. Certification: Minnesota State certification/license in teaching in appropriate subject area. Experience: Previous teaching experience Skills: Language Proficiency: Must be fluent in English. Patience and Cultural Sensitivity: Essential for working with students from a variety of cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds. Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills to explain complex concepts clearly. Adaptability and Creativity: The ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learners, needs and use creative strategies to keep students engaged. Organizational Skills: Strong ability to plan lessons, manage a classroom, and maintain accurate records. Miscellaneous: Must have the ability and proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis. Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish MSA’s Mission and Vision. Knowledge and implementation of relevant technology. Demonstrate and promote MSA Core Values. Teaching principals, practices, techniques, and approaches. Knowledge of current child development theories, development stages, and needs. Working Conditions School-year position with regular attendance required. Occasional evenings or weekends for family engagement, professional learning, or school events. Fast-paced, collaborative environment requiring adaptability and relationship-building. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are performed in a typical school setting. There are minimal environmental hazards and risks associated with the nature of the work. Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds frequently. Occasionally comfortable with exerting force/lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance. Employee(s) may be exposed to some conditions involving human/student contact, verbal outbursts, physical aggression, exposure to body fluids, and other related conditions. Employee(s) may be required to assist students with bathroom functions, based on student needs.