Life Skills Special Education Teacher

Position Type:
Teaching - Middle School

Date Posted:
7/23/2026

Location:
Central Middle School
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 special education endorsements for assignment 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

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

Effective communication skills
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

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 as required.
3. 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.
4. Develop and implement lesson plans for learning that fulfill the requirements of district's curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as needed and required. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in individual student differences.
5. 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.
6. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, equipment, and technology that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of student's assigned and present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.
7. Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
8. Manage the SPED caseload, prepare compliant and quality IEP documents along with participating in ARD Committee meetings for students in the caseload.
9. Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP. Complete Medicaid SHARS billing.
3. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
4. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
5. Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.
6. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
7. Be a positive role model for students; support the mission and visionof the school district.

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 including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP and in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
3. Consult with classroom teachers, special education staff and campus administration regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
4. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment materials, and facilities.
5. Assist in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
6. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
7. Plan and assign work to instructional aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee task completion ensuring the success of classroom systems, procedures and student supports.

Communication

1. Establish and maintain open communication by being available to and conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, instructional assistants, and teachers.
2. Communicate with students or parents on a regular basis via phone or video conference, email, or district-approved website.
3. Maintain confidentiality with respect to personally identifiable information of learners and their families.
4. Consult district and community resources, as appropriate, regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of learners.
5. Complete and send Progress Reports on IEP goals to parents as specified in the ARD/IEP.
6. Communicate professionally and effectively with instructional assistants to ensure classroom and student success.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Set professional goals; seek out and participate in professional learning experiences to improve job-related skills.
2. Display emotional maturity and a positive attitude in contacts with learners, parents, staff, and community. Set an example of and encourage socially acceptable behavior in the areas of appearance, communications, and behavior.
3. Set professional goals; seek out and participate in professional learning experiences to improve job-related skills.
4. Display emotional maturity and a positive attitude in contacts with learners, parents, staff, and community.
5. Set an example of and encourage socially acceptable behavior in the areas of appearance, communications, and behavior.
6. Possess physical competency necessary for performance of assignments.
7. Serve as case-manager for assigned learners eligible for special education and provide professional development and consultation as needed with other members of the instructional and related services team to meet each learners IEP.
8. Adhere to the principles as listed in the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
9. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
10. Comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
11. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Other

1. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise and direct the work of assigned instructional aide(s).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

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: Regular light lifting and carrying (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 equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours, may lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment

Environment: Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise, exposure to biological hazards; may require district wide travel

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

Attachment(s):

• SPED Teacher Life Skills Job Description 2026.pdf