Gr 7- 9 Special Education Teacher

Grade 3-4 Teacher – Emmaus Learning Community

Location: Red Deer, Alberta

Position Type: Full-Time

Start Date: Open until filled

About Us

Emmaus Learning Community is a Designated Special Education Program School (DSEPS) operating under Koinonia Christian School Red Deer Society. We serve students in Grades 1–12 who require individualized learning supports due to academic, behavioural, social-emotional, or complex learning needs.

At Emmaus, we believe every student is created in the image of God and possesses unique gifts, potential, and purpose. Our mission is to provide a Christ-centered learning environment where students experience belonging, individualized support, and opportunities for growth. We partner closely with families to help students develop academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally as they prepare for life beyond school.

Our broader organizational mission is to help students Transform, Renew, and Serve through Christian education.

Position Summary

Emmaus Learning Community is seeking a passionate and adaptable Grade 7-9 teacher who is committed to serving students with diverse learning needs through individualized programming, strong relational teaching, and Christ-centered mentorship.

This teacher will be responsible for developing and delivering individualized educational programming that meets students where they are academically while helping them work toward meaningful educational goals. The successful candidate must be comfortable working with a wide range of learning profiles and collaborating closely with educational assistants, families, administrators, and external service providers.

This role requires a teacher who can balance compassion, structure, flexibility, and high expectations while ensuring alignment with Alberta curriculum requirements and the Alberta Education Teaching Quality Standard (TQS).

Key Responsibilities

Student Programming & Instruction

• Develop and implement individualized learning plans for students with diverse learning needs
• Modify and adapt curriculum to meet individual student academic levels and learning goals
• Deliver instruction in core subject areas for students in Grades 3 and 4
• Create flexible programming pathways that support both academic growth and life readiness
• Use formative and summative assessment practices to monitor progress

Specialized Learning Support

• Support students with academic, behavioural, emotional, and social challenges
• Implement accommodations, behaviour supports, and intervention strategies
• Work collaboratively with educational assistants to support student success
• Partner with families and external specialists to ensure coordinated student support

Student Documentation & Accountability

• Maintain accurate student records, progress documentation, and reporting requirements
• Support documentation related to DSEPS funding and accountability requirements
• Contribute to student learning plans, transition planning, and progress reporting
• Ensure compliance with school and provincial documentation expectations

Christian Discipleship & School Culture

• Integrate faith into teaching and relationships with students
• Model Christ-centered character and leadership
• Participate in chapels, devotions, and broader school spiritual life
• Build meaningful relationships with students who often require high levels of encouragement and mentorship

Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with administration, support staff, and families
• Participate in professional development and ongoing learning
• Contribute positively to school culture and team problem-solving
• Demonstrate professionalism aligned with Alberta teaching expectations

Qualifications

Required:

• Valid Alberta teaching certification (or eligibility for certification)
• Strong understanding of adolescent learners and diverse learning needs
• Ability to design individualized programming for students working below grade level expectations
• Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to Christian education and alignment with the school's faith-based mission

Preferred:

• Experience in special education, inclusive education, or alternative education settings
• Experience working in a DSEPS environment
• Familiarity with trauma-informed practices, behavioural supports, and differentiated instruction
• Experience teaching secondary-level coursework

Professional Standards

The successful candidate must demonstrate competency in Alberta's Alberta Education Teaching Quality Standard (TQS), including:

• Fostering effective relationships
• Engaging in career-long learning
• Demonstrating a professional body of knowledge
• Establishing inclusive learning environments
• Applying foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities
• Adhering to legal frameworks and professional responsibilities

The Ideal Candidate Is…

• Has an active Christian walk and desires to teach in a Christian school
• Passionate about working with students who learn differently a
• Flexible, patient, and solutions-oriented
• Highly relational while maintaining strong classroom structures
• Comfortable balancing academic programming with social-emotional support
• Committed to helping students discover purpose, hope, and growth

Application Requirements

Interested applicants should submit:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Statement of Christian faith/testimony
• Philosophy of Christian education
• Three professional references
• One pastoral reference

Please send applications to:

Gregg McNeil

[email protected]

Join Our Team

At Emmaus Learning Community, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students who need both exceptional support and meaningful hope. If you are passionate about Christian education and helping students thrive, we'd love to hear from you.