Life Skills Teacher

Primary Purpose:
Provide 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
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. Employ a variety of
instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each
student assigned
5. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special
education students in regular classes with assignments.

6. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
7. Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.
Student Growth and Development
8. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
9. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
10. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by
campus principal.
11. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs
of students.
Classroom Management and Organization
12. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and
emotional development of students.
13. Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and
physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
14. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
15. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and
facilities.
16. Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.
Other
17. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students,
principals, and teachers.
18. Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
19. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
20. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for
special education teachers.
21. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents
required.
22. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
23. 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

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 : $56,696 - $67,640