SECONDARY SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Special Education Teacher

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Building Principal

Pay Grade: Teacher Pay Scale

Dept./School: Assigned Campus

Days: 187

Primary Purpose


Teach academic, social, and life skills to students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.


Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences-both in-person and virtual-to help them achieve their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional potential. Empower students to develop competencies and skills that support academic achievement, independent functioning, and lifelong success.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• Bachelor's degree in any academic major/field from accredited university or a foreign equivalent
• Valid Texas Educator Certificate in Special Education (Early Childhood-Grade 12) or statement of eligibility for certification from approved ACP or EPP

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of assigned subjects and curriculum
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction, including best practices for virtual learning
• Technology and web-based instructional knowledge- preferred
• Ability to instruct students and manage behavior in both in-person and virtual settings
• Ability to support students with computer set-up, navigation, and basic troubleshooting
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of Special Education law and compliance
• Knowledge and experience working with students with disabilities-preferred

Experience

• Experience working with students with special needs preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Delivery

1. Develop and implement lesson plans that meet district curriculum requirements and show written evidence of preparation.
2. Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs, including progress documentation and reporting.
3. Prepare lessons that employ special educational strategies and techniques and reflect accommodations and modifications for diverse learning styles and needs.
4. Present subject matter per TEA guidelines, board policies, and administrative regulations.
5. Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, materials, equipment, and technologies suitable for in-person and online learning.
6. Conduct assessments of student learning styles and use results for instructional planning.
7. Provide timely, ongoing feedback to students using multiple methods.
8. Help students develop effective study habits and self-regulation skills.

Collaboration & Compliance

1. Attend ARD meetings and prepare all required documentation.
2. Collaborate with general education teachers to modify curriculum as required by IEPs.
3. Work with staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods aligned with district expectations.
4. Plan and monitor purposeful assignments for teacher aides.
5. Participate in PLCs, staff committees, faculty meetings and teacher training opportunities to improve professional competence.
6. Maintain accurate and complete reports, records, and documentation.

Classroom & Behavior Management

1. Create a safe and supportive in-person and virtual classroom environment appropriate for students' developmental levels.
2. Manage student behavior per the Student Code of Conduct, campus handbook and behavior intervention plans.
3. Maintain confidentiality of student and campus information.
4. Take all reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

Communication

1. Maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators.
2. Communicate with parents and students through phone, email, conferences, video conferencing, and district-approved platforms.
3. Present information clearly and accurately in both verbal and written formats.
4. Maintain professional working relationships with all stakeholders.

Professional Development

1. Participate in staff development to enhance job-related skills.
2. Stay informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and campus policies affecting teachers.
3. Obtain and maintain annual CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification.

Other

1. Assist in selecting instructional materials and equipment.
2. Assume extracurricular duties and sponsor activities as assigned.
3. Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Tools/Equipment

• Personal computer, instructional technology, phone systems, audiovisual equipment

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing
• Prolonged sitting and repetitive computer work
• Frequent walking
• Light lifting; occasionally moving equipment, materials, or textbooks
• Assist with lifting/transferring/toileting of students as specified in IEPs

Environmental Conditions

• Work inside school building, home-based instructional setting, or other district-approved locations
• Possible outdoor duties
• Regular exposure to noise and computer screens

Mental Demands

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work prolonged or irregular hours as needed

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills that may be required