Primary Purpose:

The Special Education Teacher will implement classroom programs, including self-help (functional/physical needs), behavior management, and academic instruction. Behavior programming includes supporting students in the general education setting and special education setting. The district’s behavior program provides structured learning opportunities, a social skills curriculum and instruction for students in a variety of settings. Additionally, the Special Education Teacher will plan, develop, and implement individualized education plans; provide instruction for a diverse group of learners with a focus on accessing the TEKs through hands on activity based instructional strategies that target individual needs.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students with disabilities such as autism and cognitive delays

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

General knowledge of strategies that apply to students with low incidence disabilities

Ability to modify instructional materials for a variety of learners

Knowledge of positive behavioral support strategies

Effective communication skills

Experience:

One year student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
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.
5. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned
6. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
7. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
8. Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
3. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal. 
4. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

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.

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

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards; 

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; 

work prolonged or irregular hours

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities 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.

Salary : $57,263 - $70,365