Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

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 material to student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Education/Certification

Bachelor's degree from accredited university Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments

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 General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

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 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 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.

Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.

Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.

Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.

Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.

Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).

Use technology in teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.

Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.

Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.

Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

Create 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 crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.

Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.

Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

Establish and maintain open lines of 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.

Communicate with district staff using districts' LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network).

Other

Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.

Model behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.

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.

Assist and perform duties as assigned related to the efficient operation of the school.

Demonstrate punctuality and regular attendance.

Ensure that dress and grooming is clean, neat, in a manner appropriate for the assignment, and in accordance with any additional standards established by the supervisor and approved by the Superintendent.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).

Working Conditions

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 restraint; and assist nonambulatory students. Exposed to biological hazards.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary to be established in accordance with state and local requirements.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.

I have reviewed, agreed to and received a copy of my job description as an employee of the George West Independent School District.

Signature: Date: