Two Special Education Teachers

Employment Opportunity

Two Special Education Teachers

Position Overview

Henry Coaster Memorial School in Marten Falls First Nation is seeking two Special Education Teachers to join our team. This is a full-time, in-community teaching position focused on supporting students with special education needs in Henry Coaster Memorial School. The teacher will work on-site in the community, delivering specialized instruction and interventions for neurodivergent learners. The role involves developing individualized education plans and fostering an inclusive, culturally-responsive classroom that meets a wide range of learning, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Housing is provided in the community, and a comprehensive benefits package is available to support relocation for the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Special Education Instruction: Plan and deliver direct instruction and interventions for students with diverse exceptionalities, including neurodivergent students (e.g. those with Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities).

• IEP Development: Develop, implement, and regularly update Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students identified with special needs, in consultation with parents, caregivers, and support staff.

• Behavioral Support & ABA: Employ effective behavioral classroom management strategies to create a positive learning environment. Utilize techniques from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and other evidence-based methods to support students with behavioral or developmental challenges.

• Literacy & Academic Interventions: Implement targeted literacy interventions and other remedial programs to improve students’ reading, writing, and numeracy skills. Differentiate instruction to accommodate varying academic levels and learning styles.

• Collaboration & Advocacy: Work closely with classroom teachers, educational assistants, and specialists (e.g. speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists) to integrate supports for students. Advocate for necessary accommodations or services for students, including accessing supports through Jordan’s Principle and other community resources.

• Mental Health Support: Incorporate trauma-informed and mental health-informed practices in the classroom. Recognize and support students experiencing mental health or social-emotional difficulties by connecting with school counselors, child psychologists, or other support programs as needed.

• Cultural Responsiveness: Create a classroom atmosphere that respects and reflects First Nations culture and values. Integrate culturally relevant teaching materials and activities, and engage with community Elders or knowledge keepers to enrich the learning experience.

• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed student records, assessment data, and documentation related to IEP goals, accommodations, and progress. Provide regular progress reports and communicate with families about student growth and challenges.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education & Certification: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and Certificate of Qualification in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). Must hold Specialist qualifications in Special Education (Special Education, Part III).

• Specialized Qualifications: Reading Specialist Additional Qualification (Part III) completed. (Candidates with equivalent literacy intervention training or experience will also be considered.)

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience, with demonstrated experience working in special education settings. Proven ability to develop and implement IEPs and support neurodiverse students in an inclusive classroom.

• Expertise in Interventions: Strong knowledge of and experience with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, positive behavioral interventions, and classroom management for students with behavioral or developmental needs. Experience delivering reading/literacy intervention programs and adapting curriculum for varied learning needs.

• Jordan’s Principle Knowledge: Familiarity with Jordan’s Principle and experience coordinating or accessing services/supports for First Nations students through this initiative is required.

• Culturally Responsive Practice: Demonstrated ability to implement culturally responsive and trauma-informed teaching practices. Understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and perspectives, and the ability to integrate these into teaching.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, parents, and external professionals. Strong advocacy skills to champion student needs.

• Adaptability: Willingness and ability to live and work in a remote northern First Nation community. Flexible, patient, and resourceful in overcoming challenges associated with teaching in a small community environment.

• Other Requirements: Must successfully pass a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel in small aircraft to the community (if applicable) are assets. Ability to speak or understand the local First Nation language (e.g. Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Cree) is considered an asset.

Benefits and Support

• Housing: Housing is provided in the community (subsidized teacher accommodation) to make relocation easier for the successful candidate.

• Relocation Support: Assistance with relocation and moving expenses will be available as needed to help the teacher transition to the community.

• Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, aligned with Henry Coaster Memorial School’s funding.

• Benefits Package: Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as pension or retirement plan options. Personal and sick leave and other supports are included as per Henry Coaster Memorial School’s  policies.

Equity and Diversity

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome all qualified candidates to apply. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants in accordance with our commitment to an equitable and inclusive workplace. We encourage First Nations, Inuit, and Métis candidates to self-identify in their applications. All applicants will be considered based on merit and qualifications.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to tduncan@matawaeducation.ca. Please include any relevant supporting documents (such as your OCT Certificate and a current Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Check) with your application.

Contact Information:

Email: tduncan@matawaeducation.ca

Phone: 1 (807) 620-2666

Closing Date: Open until fulfilled. 

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.