Special Education Teacher Life Skills

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 student ability levels. Work in self-contained classroom for students with cognitive disabilities.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:


Bachelor's degree from accredited university


Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments

Special Knowledge/Skills:


Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area


Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)/Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation


General knowledge of curriculum and instruction for students with cognitive disabilities

Experience:


At least one year student teaching or approved internship in special education

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 through lesson plans and data collection.
3. 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. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
5. Participate in ARD Committee meetings for assigned students.

1. Conduct assessment of student present level of performance and use results to plan for instructional activities.
2. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
3. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
4. Plan and supervise assignments for instructional assistant(s) and volunteer(s).
5. Use technology in teaching/learning process.
6. Follow district guidelines for str

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Provide or supervise personal care (bathroom needs and personal hygiene), 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. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.
5. Administer state assessments at the required grade/subject levels.
6. Complete IEP progress reports by district deadline with supporting data available for review.

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. This includes 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. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
5. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
6. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

1. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
2. Maintain on-going communication with parents regarding student performance and progress.
3. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
4. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Other

1. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills (including, but not limited to, annual physical restraint training, SHARS, STAAR Alternate).
2. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
4. Attend and participate in district meetings, faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:


Supervise assigned instructional assistants(s).

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 or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards.