Job Title: Academic Specialist 

Reports to: Principal

Dept.: Assigned Campus

Exemption Status: Exempt/Professional

Funding: Varies by position

Pay Grade: Teacher Pay Scale

Work Day Calendar: 187 Days

Primary Purpose: Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences in the core academic subject area assigned to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or training for subject and level assigned
• Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assigned
• A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of core academic subject assigned
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

 Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Direct services to at-risk students.
• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the district's curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in individual students.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, equipment, and technology that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned and present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use  results to plan instructional activities.
• Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP)
• Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.
• Plan and assign work to instructional aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Serve as a resource to teachers on strategies to address Tier I and Tier II needs in the academic area of expertise
• Ability to create and present professional learning to stakeholders
• Ability to model best practices for teachers in the classroom
• Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.
• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct the work of assigned instructional aide(s).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

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; work must be performed on-site.

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

This job description describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Little Elm ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Additionally, the District does not discriminate against an employee or applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminatory employment practice. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, experience, and abilities.

El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Little Elm no discrimina a ningún empleado o candidato a empleo por razón de raza, color, religión, sexo, nacionalidad, edad, incapacidad, estatus militar, información genética o de cualquier otra razón prohibida por ley. Además,  el  distrito  escolar  no  discrimina  a  ningún  empleado  o  candidato  a  empleo  que  actúe  oponiéndose  a  ese  tipo  de discriminaciones o que participe en la investigación de una queja relacionada co n alguna práctica discriminatoria en la contratación. La toma de decisiones respecto a una contratación se hará en función de las calificaciones, experiencia y habilidades del candidato.

Rev. 4.2.2025