Special Education Teacher

Commitment to Mission This job carries with it the obligation to uphold the Mission of Lone Star College (LSC) in carrying out the duties of the position. A commitment to positive interpersonal behaviors, professional communication, integrity, leadership, stewardship, respect and accountability to LSC students and employees is essential. Cultural Beliefs One LSC Student Focused Own It Foster Belonging Cultivate Community Choose Learning Location Location address is 20515 SH 249 (SH 249 and Louetta Road) Houston, Texas 77070-2607. Job Description Purpose and Scope The Education Preparation Program (EPP) Certification Officer is responsible for oversight and leadership within an EPP. This position's primary responsibilities are to ensure that prospective teachers meet the certification requirements set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to become licensed educators in Texas. This position will advise and provide guidance to potential new teachers, assist with the process of application, analyze and review each applicant to ensure all appropriate state policies are followed, and ultimately recommend new teachers to the TEA to become licensed educators. This position will also be responsible for database management, training and professional development, and will regularly audit records for quality assurance. Essential Job Functions Oversees certification processes by maintaining accurate candidate records in ECOS, reviewing and verifying test approvals, program status updates, and certificate recommendations, and recommending candidates for certification only after confirming completion of all TEA and program eligibility requirements. Ensures ongoing compliance with TAC §§227-230 (Teacher Advisory Council) by managing required reporting, documentation, and record retention, and collaborates with the Compliance Coordinator to complete Accountability System for Educator Preparation (ASEP) and APR (Annual Performance Report) submissions within TEA deadlines. Identifies potential compliance risks or performance concerns and promptly elevates findings to EPP and institutional leadership for review and action. Advises candidates on certification processes, testing readiness, fingerprinting, TEAL/ECOS (Educator Certification Online System) access, and assists in resolving Texas Educator Agency Login (TEAL) account or duplicate record issues while coordinating with the TEA Help Desk when needed. Provides guidance to faculty and candidates on test approvals, test-limit waivers, certification application procedures, and offers remediation support using tools such as Results Analyzer to identify candidates' strengths and areas for improvement. Verifies that internship and clinical teaching placements meet all program and TEA requirements, including approved sites, certificate alignment, and valid Statements of Eligibility (SOEs) while processing certificate deactivations, reactivations, and corrections in accordance with TEA rules and documentation standards. Collaborates with the field supervision team to ensure interns hold the appropriate certificates and that all placement assignments align with the correct certification categories. Maintains comprehensive candidate records from admission through certification for at least five years and conducts regular file audits to verify completeness of required documentation, including screeners, transcripts, test scores, field logs, and completion records. Assists in preparing accurate and timely documentation for TEA audits, internal reviews, and annual EPP reporting requirements. Partners with the Compliance Coordinator, Program Manager, faculty, field supervisors, and advisors to ensure certification records align with internal data systems and to maintain clear communication regarding candidate eligibility and progress. Participates in TEA Certification Officer trainings, webinars, and EPP team meetings, and contributes to program improvement by identifying opportunities for process streamlining and strengthened compliance monitoring. Responsible for other reasonable related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong attention to accuracy and detail Excellent knowledge of general office and software applications Ability to prepare and analyze reports Possesses excellent organizational skills Strong multi-tasking abilities with the ability to prioritize duties Research and knowledge gathering skills Strong interpersonal skills Physical Abilities The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as papers or books, or driving an automobile. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Work Schedule & Conditions Equipment used includes, PC workstation running on a LAN in a Microsoft Windows environment, calculator, phone, and other general office equipment. Interface with internal and external contacts as needed to carry out the functions of the position. Work is performed in a climate-controlled office with minimal exposure to safety hazards. Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree and at least 3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Salary Hiring salary range is: $51,761 - $59,525. EEO & Background Check Lone Star College is an EEO Employer. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. #J-18808-Ljbffr