Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

ResponsiveEd Special Education teachers are responsible for the achievement and support of students with intensive special needs. Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. They provide the crucial bridge between home and school for students with significant needs and their families. They partner with parents, special education teachers, service providers, and administrators to develop and implement individualized education plans to meet the needs of students with disabilities and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and district SPED requirements.

Education and Experience:

• Must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-Year College or University, preferably in the area of Special Education.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate in the area of Special Education. (If alternative certified, letter of eligibility for special education certification is required)
• Additional grade level or content area certification may be required for select positions.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, (KSAs), and Dispositions:

• A passion for students, especially students with disabilities.
• Ability and patience to work interactively with students, especially students with disabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of and compliance with federal and state special education law.
• Working knowledge of and compliance with individualized services for students with disabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of and compliance with the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process.
• Knowledge of the development and implementation of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills to implement multiple and diverse programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Learn and implement teaching curriculum software programs.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of students with disabilities, parents, support staff, and Administration.
• Ability to effectively interpret policy, procedures, and student data, such as diagnostic test results and assessments
• Ability to transition with district, campus, and/or department changes.
• Ability to communicate effectively with and receive guidance from supervisors

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Work collaboratively with campus administration to review special education records according to timelines.
• Complete necessary documents for and actively participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students with disabilities according to timelines.
• Actively contribute to and participate in Full and Individual Evaluations/Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED) for students with special needs and determination of special education eligibility according to timelines.
• Collaborate with special education teachers, service providers, and administrators to provide special education accommodations and services to special needs learners.
• Ensure student individualized education programs (IEPs) are appropriately written and implemented.
• Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a regular basis, and that the findings are used to make special education services more effective.
• Update and send IEP Progress Reports and Report Cards to parents within timelines.
• Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support special education staff in accomplishing the educational goals of students receiving special education services.
• Ensure compliance with all state-mandated assessments and alternative assessments, including their selection and administration.
• Serve as the campus resource person and trainer for all campus staff to support students with disabilities.
• Ensure that campus curriculum implementation is responsive to student needs.
• Seek assistance as needed from campus support staff, administration, or the director of student services.
• Demonstrate support for the campus's student management policies and assist with behavior management strategies as they relate to students with disabilities.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, teachers, and administrators.
• Implement ResponsiveEd's Special Education school board policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
• Compile and maintain all reports, records, and other documents required by law and/or the Director of Special Education.
• Perform special projects, during and after normal business hours, and other duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities and Duties:

• Read and comply with the ResponsiveEd Procedures Manual, Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, and the Employee Handbook.
• Perform special projects during and after normal business hours, and other duties as assigned.

Equipment Used:

All equipment required to perform duties and tasks was previously described.

Physical/Environmental Factors:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Responsive Education Solutions considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran status, or military status, disability, or any other legally protected status. ResponsiveEd is an Equal Opportunity Employer.