Life Skills Teacher

Special Education Teacher

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: Bachelor's degree from accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or training for subject and level assigned
• 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
• Knowledge of core academic subject assigned
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to instruct and manage student behavior
• Ability to work well and in a positive manner with staff, students, and public
• Ability to use computer software to develop spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Experience: Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assigned; prior experience working with students preferred.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• 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.
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.
• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Manage behavior of students. Includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• 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.
• 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.
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• 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, required trainings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Maintain positive community relations by establishing positive rapport with students and parents.