Position Purpose
Delivers rigorous instruction to students with special needs in order to promote intellectual, social, and physical growth; ensures that regardless of socioeconomic factors every child is prepared for accelerated learning to compete in a global economy. Implements District approved curricula and documents teaching and student progress, activities, and outcomes; addresses specific educational needs of individual students. Creates a flexible, safe, and optimal learning environment; provides feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, and goals.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Curriculum & Instruction
- Collaborates with students, parents, and other members of the staff to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) through the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process for each student assigned.
- Implements an instructional, therapeutic, and / or skill development program for assigned students and shows written evidence of preparation as required.
- Presents subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by the IEP; employs a variety of instructional techniques, equipment, and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
- Works cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed; assists special education students in regular classes with assignments.
Student Growth & Development
Provides or supervises personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in the IEP.Assumes responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned; sponsors outside activities approved by the campus principal.Consults District and outside resources regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.Student Assessment
Uses and implements ongoing assessments of student learning, interprets higher level data (i.e., value add) to inform instruction, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student’s needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.Serves on ARD committees to determine appropriate levels of services required to meet the needs of students with challenging educational needs.Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by District procedures and applicable laws.Administers standardized tests in accordance with District testing programs.Classroom Environment
Creates classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of special needs students.Manages student behavior and administers discipline; intervenes in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary and according to IEP.Consults with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school’s standards and District policies; establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.Parent Involvement
Encourages parental involvement in student’s education.Ensures effective communication with students and parents.Professional Learning Community
Establishes and maintains open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.Keeps informed of and complies with federal, state, District, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.Compiles, maintains, and files all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.Coordinates with other professional staff members to evaluate and assess students and curriculum; participates in faculty meetings and committees.Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids, and other supplies / equipment; maintains inventory records.Safety
Performs preventive maintenance on tools and equipment and ensures equipment is in safe operating condition.Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties including lifting and climbing; operates tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and promptly reports any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.Personal Work Relationships
All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport / relationship with the consumer.Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and performs as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.Other Duties as Assigned
Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance with Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of federal and state guidelines and District policies and procedures regarding special population students’ services and programs.Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, and proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs; as well as differentiation of instruction necessary to create effective and productive student-centered learning environments.Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans.Skill in professional learning, technical assistance, and consultation.Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively.Ability to provide information and assist office personnel, parents, and students related to District programs and activities.Ability to lead, develop, and direct / deliver professional learning.Ability to assist in and develop IEP for students.Ability to use software to create spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing.Ability to organize and coordinate work.Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms.Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Tools / Equipment Used : Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment such as Promethean Board.Posture : Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing / pulling, and twisting.Motion : Frequent walking; frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.Lifting : Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 40 pounds); may lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment; may also be required to pick up and / or restrain students as needed.Environment : Works in a school facility and classroom; may work outside; regular exposure to noise; may require occasional irregular and / or prolonged hours; this position may involve rare exposure to blood or body fluids.Attendance : Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.Mental Demands : Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.Minimum Required Qualifications
Education : Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university.Certification / License : Valid Texas Special Education Certification, or Valid Texas Teaching Certification with a Special Education endorsement.Experience : Experience working with diverse students and / or special populations preferred.Language : Bilingual (English / Spanish) preferred in some settings.This is a grant-funded position and is contingent on availability of funds.
This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
