Teacher, Special Education

Primary Purpose:


Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences in the core academic subject area assigned to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Qualifications:


Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree from accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or related training and work experience for certification waivers under the District of Innovation Plan (DOI)
• Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assigned
• [Physical Education Teachers: Current automated external defibrillator (AED) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate]

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of core academic subject assigned
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

• Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of district's curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodation for differences in individual student differences.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, equipment, and technology that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned and present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities.
• Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.
• Plan and assign work to instructional aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.

Student Growth and Development

• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
• Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create in-person and virtual classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
• Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Professional Growth/Development and Other

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom 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.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures
• Model behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrators that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct the work of assigned instructional aide(s).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors.


The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

• 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 non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment;
• Physical Demands :
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards
• Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made if necessary: May frequently be required to stoop, reach, stand, walk, lift, pull, push, grasp, talk, hear, see and use repetitive motions. May frequently be required to lift and/or move at least 50 pounds of materials, or move at least 50 pounds of materials, or lift children from wheelchairs onto changing tables, etc.. May frequently be required to deescalate physical aggression including the use of safe, non-harmful physical restraint procedures