Community Based Special Education Resource Teacher

Benefits:

Enjoy 7 weeks Summer Break plus:

• Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Generous Sick Leave
• 2-weeks paid Christmas Break
• 1-week paid March Break

The Community Based Education (CBE) Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) provides direct academic, developmental, and culturally responsive special education support to Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) First Nation elementary schools. KO Communities include: Deer Lake First Nation, Fort Severn Cree Nation, Keewaywin First Nation, North Spirit Lake First Nation and Poplar Hill First Nation.

The CBE SERT is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring Individual Education Plans (IEPs), facilitating student transition plans, and coordinating specialized second- and third-level educational supports.

In addition to academic programming, the SERT actively supports student life and holistic engagement by organizing and participating in after-school extra-curricular activities, clubs, and sports (e.g., volleyball, chess club, skiing).

Reporting to the Elementary Services Manager, the SERT works collaboratively with school staff, parents, community Education Directors, and multidisciplinary support teams to foster student retention, well-being, and academic success.

• Ability to travel to KO Communities 10 times per year with occasional flexible hours (e.g., family/community engagement events).
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends as required to fulfill role responsibilities.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing language and cultural competency and safety training.
• Vulnerable Persons Criminal Background check.

• Valid Class G driver's license and willingness/ability to travel.

Responsibilities:

Direct Student Support & Instruction

• Deliver individualized and small-group instructional support to KO students with diverse learning needs in secondary subjects.
• Implement differentiated instruction, universal design for learning (UDL), and culturally responsive pedagogical practices that align with Indigenous ways of knowing.
• Provide targeted interventions for foundational literacy, numeracy, and executive functioning skills to support student retention and credit accumulation.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and culturally supportive learning environment that promotes student self-advocacy, mental wellness, and identity.

Special Education Coordination & Programming

• Lead the development, implementation, and regular review of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for KO students in collaboration with KO Elementary School staff, parents, and community partners.
• Coordinate secondary special education services, including speech and language, occupational therapy, and mental health support, ensuring timely access to third-level professional services.
• Conduct formal and informal educational assessments, documentation, and progress monitoring to inform instruction and program modifications.
• Ensure all special education documentation complies with relevant First Nations education policies and Ontario Ministry of Education standards (Growing Success, Learning for All).

Transition Planning & Retention

• Support the transition of Grade 8 students from KO community schools to secondary learning environments.
• Collaborate with the KOBE Enrollment and Retention Services Team to monitor attendance, track student engagement, and implement retention strategies.
• Develop graduation and post-secondary transition plans that reflect student goals, community pathways, and personal strengths.

Collaboration & Community Communication

• Maintain regular, transparent communication with parents, guardians, Local Education Authorities (LEAs), and home-community Education Directors regarding student progress.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and school-level student support teams at PFFNHS.
• Work closely with the KOBE Elementary Services Manager and team members to ensure alignment with the KOBE Strategic Plan and community priorities.

Data Sovereignty & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, confidential student records and service logs in accordance with First Nations data sovereignty, KOBE policy, and privacy legislation.
• Collect and submit required activity data and reporting metrics for funding agreements and program evaluations.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform the duties and responsibilities of the position to the best of their ability.
• Adhere to relevant legislation, as well as KOBE policies and procedures.
• Protect the confidentiality and proprietary information of KOBE, its employees, students, families, communities and partner organizations.
• Maintain respectful and collaborative working relationships with co-workers, students, and stakeholders.
• Understand and promote the KOBE’s mission and vision.
• Uphold and advocate for the KOBE’s values and ethical standards.
• Maintain a safe work environment, ensuring the safety of themselves and others.
• Always present a positive and professional image of KOBE

Qualifications and Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree.
• Good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) (or eligibility for certification).
• Special Education Qualifications (Part 1 minimum; Specialist preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of teaching experience, preferably in First Nations schools, northern/remote communities, or Indigenous education contexts.
• Demonstrated experience developing, writing, and evaluating Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

Preferred:

• Special Education Specialist Qualification.
• Experience supporting secondary students in a First Nation boarding school or residential secondary environment.
• Knowledge of Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, Cree, or another language connected to KO communities.

Assets: Deep knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy and Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives.

Key Competencies:

• Cultural Humility & Responsiveness: Deep respect for First Nations sovereignty, local community protocols, and the integration of Indigenous Ways of Knowing into special education practices.
• Specialized Pedagogical Knowledge: Robust understanding of educational assessment, differentiated instruction, assistive technology, and secondary curriculum adaptations.
• Relational & Communication Skills: Proven ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships with youth, parents, community leaders, and multi-disciplinary school teams.

Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Flexibility in navigating complex educational systems and supporting youth making significant cultural and geographic transitions.

Personal Attributes:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including professional approaches when working through projects with various perspectives - e.g. parents, students, community members, staff, and other partners.

• An ability to adjust to changes
• Be honest and trustworthy
• Ability to focus and concentrate over lengthy periods of time
• Team player
• Self-directed
• Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to deal with tact and sound judgment in oral and written communications with staff and the public
• The ability to coordinate and organize work
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team environment
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity to Indigenous peoples
• Ability to work effectively with staff, administration, the KOBE Board, and First Nations.

Conditions of Employment:

• Ability to travel to KO Communities 10 times per year with occasional flexible hours (e.g., family/community engagement events).
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends as required to fulfill role responsibilities.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing language and cultural competency and safety training.
• Vulnerable Persons Criminal Background check.
• Valid Class G driver's license and willingness/ability to travel.

Hiring preference is given to members of the KO First Nations, and secondary to Indigenous individuals from outside the KO First Nations. Qualified members of First Nations are encouraged to apply.

Apply with resume, cover letter, and 3 references to