Special Education Behavior Unit Teacher

Reports to: Principal
Dept./School: Palo Alto Elementary
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Pay Grade: Matrix
Days: 187

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

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:
Bachelors degree from accredited university
Master degree in content preferred
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or required training for subject andlevel assigned
Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assigned
Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundablefee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee

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
Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs
Effective communication skills

Experience:
Student teaching approved internship or related work experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Instructional Strategies

1. Collaborate with students parents and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
2. Implement an instructional therapeutic or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies activities materials and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
4. Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
5. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
6. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
7. Participate in selection of books equipment and other instructional media.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Provide or supervise personal care medical care and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
3. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
4. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education social medical and personal needs of students.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical social and emotional development of students.
2. Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
3. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
4. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students equipment materials and facilities.
5. Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.

Other

1. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents students principals and teachers.
2. Maintain professional relationships with parents students and colleagues.
3. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
4. Keep informed of and comply with federal state district and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
5. Compile maintain and file all physical and computerized reports records and other documents required.
6. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
7. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Direct the work of instructional aide(s).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals and other instructional equipment
Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting bending/stooping pushing/pulling and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking
Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities control behavior through physical restraint assist nonambulatory students and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours
Environment: Exposure to biological hazards
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Required Experience:

IC