Special Education Teacher

Reports to: Campus Principal


Wage/Hour Status: Exempt


Pay Family: Teacher Hiring Schedule


Minimum Salary: Teacher Hiring Schedule


Duty Days: 187 days per year

Primary Purpose:


Provides students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth. Enables students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited institution
• Master's degree (preferred)
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment
• ESL certification (preferred)

Experience

• One (1) year of clinical teaching preferred; one (1) year of teaching experience may substitute for clinical experience

Special Knowledge and 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
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Ability to obtain ESL certification within one year of hire

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develops and implements plans for the curriculum program assigned and shows written evidence of preparation as required. Prepares lessons that reflect accommodation for individual student differences.
• Presents the subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, Board policies and administrative regulations.
• Plans and uses appropriate instructional/learning strategies, activities, materials and equipment that reflects accommodation for individual needs of students assigned.
• Conducts assessment of student learning styles and uses results for instructional activities.
• Works cooperatively with other special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established by Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and or volunteer(s).
• Cooperates with other staff members in planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives and methods according to district requirements.
• Integrates technologies in the teaching/learning process.
• Assists students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.
• Assesses student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Assumes responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned and may sponsor outside activities approved by the school.
• Presents a positive role model for students that supports the mission of the School District.
• Develops and maintains a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social and emotional development of students.
• Manages student behavior in the classroom and administers discipline according to Board policies, administrative regulations and IEP.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Assists in the selection of books, equipment and other instructional materials.
• Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students and their parents.
• Maintains a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents and community members.
• Uses acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Keeps the principal fully informed with respect to conditions and needs of the classroom and of new techniques and materials being used.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, committee meetings and works sessions as required by the principal.
• Exhibits professional judgment and responsibility at all times.
• Demonstrates behavior that is professional, ethical and responsible.
• Promotes professional improvement through reading educational journals and books, exploring educational research, enrolling in college courses, participating in staff development activities and membership in professional organizations.
• Follows all rules, regulations and policies of Denton ISD and follow directives from superiors. Follows attendance policy as assigned by Supervisor.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records and other documents required.
• Upholds and enforces school rules, administrative regulations and district philosophy and board policies and presents subject matter according to established guidelines.
• Keeps informed of and complies with state, district and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Performs SHARS and X-Logs duties as required by the department.
• Provide Personal Care as identified in applicable student IEPs.
• Performs other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or Supervisor.

Other Related Duties:

• Follows district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participates in professional development, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment


Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting


Motion: Frequent walking


Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. 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 hazards; work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise; occasional districtwide and statewide travel


Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

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.

APPOINTMENT:


The appointment of this position will be recommended to the Board of Trustees by the Superintendent of Schools on the basis of the applicant's training, experience, and expertise. The Board of Trustees must give final approval.