Homebound Teacher

Position: Homebound Teacher

Department: Superintendent

Immediate Supervisor: Coordinator of Mental Health & Counseling

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: Per Compensation Manual

Days Employed: Per Compensation Manual

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Provide specialized instruction, to meet the unique educational needs of homebound students
• Provide learning activities designed to help students fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, vocational, and social growth
• Oversee educational support services to students regarding instruction, and other instructional materials that meet student ability levels

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate, with required special education endorsement for assignments
• Demonstrated instructional competency in the core academic subject area assigned

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of core areas of instruction
• Knowledge of special needs of students
• Knowledge of ARD/IEP goal-setting process and implementation
• Ability to instruct students
• Strong management and documentation skills
• Ability to use modifications/accommodations as stated in plans (ARD, 504, etc.)
• Ability to work with students with medical issues
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Skill in working with students who are medically fragile
• Knowledge of special education federal and state laws and guidelines
• Working knowledge of computers, word processing, and software related to the field
• Strong organizational, written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

• Three years of experience in teaching students with special education needs

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: These statements are intended to describe the major purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Instruction:

• Deliver instructional services to homebound and hospitalized students and coordinate these services with teachers from the students' home campus
• Receive textbooks and other teaching support materials from the home campus and deliver these materials to the assigned students
• Meet with assigned students on a regular basis consisting of a minimum of four nonconsecutive hours of instruction per week
• Maintain appropriate records dealing with attendance and share this information with PIEMS and home campus attendance personnel
• Attend the student’s ARD, 504, or general education meeting
• Carry out responsibilities for test administrators for statewide assessments__meeting guidelines for the time required for homebound students. (See Student Attendance Accounting Handbook)
• Drive to and from district sites, students' homes, and other agencies to provide services
• Consult regularly with the classroom teacher, auxiliary regular and special education personnel, parents, and others to coordinate programs and services for the homebound student
• Implement instructional activities provided by the student’s teacher of record, including any modifications/accommodations designed in the homebound instructional plan
• Implement instructional activities provided by the student’s teacher of record, including any modifications/accommodations designed in the homebound instructional plan
• Provide effective instruction that is clear, compelling, and engaging, while considering the learning style of the student
• Manage materials and equipment effectively
• Pick up and deliver student assignments
• Collaborate with students, parents, and other staff members to develop appropriate IEP and plans for homebound placement
• Follow all DISD A-Z operating guidelines that are relevant to the position, including but not limited to: homebound, Case Manager Duties, IEP Access and Implementation, Accessible InstructionalMaterials, Extended School Year Services, Discipline, FERPA, IEP Goals and Objectives, 10 Critical Components, Student Records, Modification/Accommodation/Specially Designed Instruction, and Documentation of Special Education
• Prepare ARD paperwork and/or attend ARD meetings as applicable
• Alternative methods of instruction
• All other duties as assigned

Program Management and Organization:

• Participate in ARD, CEHI, GEH meetings
• Maintain data and complete reports and paperwork in a timely manner
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, and materials
• Acquire information and training about current research, development, and technology as it applies to the instruction of homebound students 
• Consult resources for methods or sources to aid in educating the student
• Use appropriate technology in instructional delivery
• Assist in the utilization of books, equipment, and other instructional materials
• Collaborate and communicate cooperatively with multiple teachers, of students who are homebound to

1. Establish drop/off and pick up location and times for each campus to collect and distribute work and materials
2. Prepare, in a timely manner, classroom materials that need to be reproduced in another medium, or adapted in some way to meet the needs of the homebound student
3. Determine mutually convenient times during the school week for scheduling the visit with the homebound students
4. Adapt the materials and environment to meet the specific needs of the homebound student for participation in instruction and activities

• Exchange information concerning the homebound student with parents and teachers on a regular basis as it applies to their instructional needs
• Schedule time efficiently for assessment, instruction, planning, preparation of materials,  travel, and conferences with relevant school and other key individuals

Professional Communication and Growth:

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills as appropriate
• Keep abreast of new developments in the field
• Communicate with special education coordinator, the 504 Coordinator, campus staff, and other related services to ensure students receive support services while homebound
• Comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies
• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members
• Perform any other duties as assigned
• Follow the A-Z Special Education Operating Guidelines

EXPECTATIONS OF MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students and teachers to transcribe/adapt materials needed and access the student’s curriculum in their learning media. 
• Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking and reaching
• Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, assisting non-ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (body fluids, bacteria, communicable diseases).
• Communicate: Must be able to communicate with staff, students, and parents.  Must be able to convey accurate information, maintain composure, and communicate effectively under stress
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; interact positively, proactively, and professionally even when circumstances are difficult. Must be able to meet multiple demands from several people
• Transportation: Daily travel between school sites is required
• See: Must be able to observe students, computer monitors/screens, and view reports
• Professional Dress:  Dress must be clean, neat, in a manner appropriate for his or her assignment, and in accordance with any additional standards established by his or her supervisor and approved by the Superintendent.  During work hours, visible body piercings (except earrings) will not be allowed.  

EVALUATIONS:

• Performance of this position will be evaluated annually