Teacher, Special Education Life Skills (7773)

BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal-setting process and implementation
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

Instructional Strategies:

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect an understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
• Use technology in teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development:

• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
• Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.

Classroom Management and Organization:

• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication:

• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

EXPERIENCE: At least one-year student teaching or approved internship.

EQUIPMENT USED:  Personal computer, printer, calculator, copier, fax machine, and shredder.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:  Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent districtwide travel 
• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing 
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment
• May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint  (SAMA); and assist non-ambulatory students
• Exposure to biological hazards
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Use a computer for a prolonged period, resulting in repetitive hand motions.
• Lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
• Move textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment.
• Work occasional prolonged or irregular hours.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; [P.E. teachers: automated external defibrillator (AED)]
• Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment.
• Environment: Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Work is normally performed in an interior work environment with little or no exposure to physical risk.