Teacher - Special Education

Teacher - Special Education

A Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Campus

Primary Purpose:

Provide special education 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 student ability levels. Work in a self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned. Flexibility and organization are key skills for this position. Current job duties could include Elementary, Middle School, and/or High School caseloads with some Resource students.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Valid Texas Teaching Certificate with SpEd EC-12 and required content endorsements for assignments

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of the special needs of students in the assigned area
• Knowledge of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process, Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal-setting process, and implementation
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to use Computers, Chromebooks, printers, and the Google suite of products, including Google Sheets, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Zoom

Experience:

• At least one year of student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop an IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect an understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Coordinate and participate in ARD Committee meetings regularly.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the diagnosed needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aides and volunteers.
• Use technology in the teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• As appropriate based on student disabilities, the IEP provides or supervises personal care, medical care, and feeding of students.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
• Be a positive role model for students; support the mission of the school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crises and physically restraining students with the use of approved crisis intervention techniques as necessary, according to the IEP. In addition, provide all necessary documentation to the school secretary for required input to the Texas Education Agency database on student restraints.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding the management of student behavior according to the IEP.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding the education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Other

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards.

The foregoing statements describe 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.