Job Title:           Life Skills Teacher                                                Exemption Status/Test:      Exempt/Professional

Reports to:         Principal                                                                    

Dept./School:    Greenwood High School

Primary Purpose:

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 match student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment

Special Knowledge/Skills:

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

Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs

Effective communication skills

Experience:

Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience

Experience: At least one-year teaching or approved internship Experience teaching students with severe behavior disorders

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required
2. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
4. Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned
5. Work cooperatively with special education support staff to implement operating guidelines of the behavior unit Work cooperatively with general education teachers
6. Work cooperatively with general education teachers

Student Growth and Development

    7. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs of capabilities of each student assigned

    8. Plan and assign assignments for teacher assistants

    9. Use technology in teaching / learning process

   10. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing 

   11. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district 

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
2. Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
3. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
4. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
5. Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.

Other

1. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
2. Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
3. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
4. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
5. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
6. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
7. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct the work of instructional aide(s).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist nonambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

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Greenwood Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation) or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact the Assistant Superintendent or Human Resources. In accordance with Title IX, the district does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational program or activities. The requirement not to discriminate extends to employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX to employment should be referred to Title IX Coordinator, Superintendent Elliott 2700 FM 1379, Midland, TX 79706, eelliott@greenwood.esc18.net, (432) 683-6461, to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education or both.