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, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments.
Valid certificate that matches the subject and grade level of the assignment

Teaching certification held in multiple areas is preferred.

ESL Certification required within six months of employment for elementary and secondary core teachers.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned areas.

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation.

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction.

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

At least one year of student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

At least one year of student teaching or approved internship

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. 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 on a regular basis.
6. Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
7. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
8. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned
9. Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
10. Use technology in the teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

11. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
12. Be a positive role model for students, support the mission of the school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

13. Create classroom environments conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
14. Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis

 situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.

15. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior

      according to IEP.

16. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and

      personal needs of students.

17. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
18. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

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

Other

22. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
23. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
24. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
25. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
26. Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance and learning the records retention schedule for department records.
27. Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.