Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Location: DISD Classroom/Assigned Campus Reports To: Principal/Director of Sp. Educ. Contract Length: 10 months Salary Schedule: DISD Salary Scale Date Revised: 07/09/21

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 appropriate for student ability levels.

Qualifications: Education/Certification: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university/college Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment Experience with special education students

Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of a variety of teaching methods and ability to use appropriate methods to meet the needs of students with disabilities Knowledge of TEKS requirements for general education at grade level(s) assigned Knowledge of Admission, Review and Dismissal (A.R.D.) Committee process and Individual Educational Plan goal setting process and implementation Ability to instruct and manage student behavior Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Experience: At least one semester of student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties: Work with students in academic and social settings, prepare communication systems, behavior intervention strategies and plans, ARD materials, and establish parent communication system. Instructional Strategies Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of the Admission, Review and Dismissal (A.R.D.) Committee to develop an Individual Educational Plan (I.E.P.) for each student assigned Implement an instructional 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 general education classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as determined in each student's Individual Educational Plan (I.E.P.) Participate in ARD meetings for assigned students Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan individualized instructional activities Plan and provide appropriate services to students consistent with the goals contained in Individual Education Programs Present subject matter according to the guidelines established by the I.E.P. 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 assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing Collect and document data regarding students' progress on IEP goals and objectives Provide or supervise personal care, medical care and feeding of students as stated in the I.E.P. Classroom Management and Organization Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interest of the students Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary or contact the CPI Team on your campus for support, according to the I.E.P. Consult with general education classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to the I.E.P. Consult DISD, district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students Take all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities Assist in selection of books, equipment and other instructional materials Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals and teachers Other Communicate effectively with administrators, colleagues, students and parents Attend and participate in campus and district level in-service meetings upon request Participate in professional development opportunities to improve skills related to job responsibilities Keep abreast of changes in local, state and federal special education rules and laws Compile reports as requested by DISD administration, including, but not limited to; SHARS, caseload and extended school year recommendations Act in a professional manner and maintain a professional attitude towards the public and colleagues Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; adhere to chain of command Maintain professional appearance as appropriate for job responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Special Education Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise paraprofessionals 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 materials. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities and utilize adaptive equipment. May be required to control behavior through physical restraint. Exposed to biological hazards through body fluids. Requires ability to interact effectively with a variety of people and professions. The previous 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.