Special Education Teacher

Special Education TeacherReports to: PrincipalDept./School: Anderson ElementaryPrimary 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: Bachelor's degree from accredited universityValid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignmentsSpecial Knowledge/Skills:Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned areaKnowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementationKnowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needsEffective communication skillsExperience: One year student teaching or approved internshipMajor 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.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.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.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.Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.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.Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.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 including 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.Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.Other:Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.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.Customer Care Skills:Provide professional communication with students, parents, community members, staff, and other professionals at all times.Use proper phone etiquette at all times, speaking slowly and clearly.Take reliable messages, and route to the appropriate staff.Ensure superior customer care skills are used via eye contact, facial expressions, voice inflections, body language, and an attitude of "going the extra mile" for others.Ensure all requests for information are dealt with in an appropriate timeframe.Create and maintain a welcoming, service-oriented environment toward all internal and external customers.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 equipmentPosture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twistingMotion: Frequent walkingLifting: 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; Environment: Exposure to biological hazardsMental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours