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 assignments

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

Experience:

One year student teaching or approved internship

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

• Collaborate with students, parents and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, and  skill development program in a functional special education classroom for assigned students according to their IEP.
• Work collaboratively with General Education teachers to provide appropriate instructional lessons for multiple grade-levels; this includes learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Present subject matter according grade-level standards and  to guidelines established by IEP.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s).
• Use technology in teaching/ learning process.
• Implement behavior tracking system that supports students behavioral needs.

STUDENT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Conduct informal behavioral assessments and use results to plan behavioral strategies.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and emotional needs of students as stated in IEP.
• Develop and implement a system of tracking and evaluating students’ academic and behavioral performance on a daily basis.
• Provide regular lessons and activities that promote social and emotional growth.
• Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION:

• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline.  This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers, LSSP, Principal,etc. regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, emotional, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials. 

COMMUNICATION:

• Establish and maintain open communication 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
• Write progress notes, incident reports, attendance, and/or other required/requested documentation.

OTHER:

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education 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.
• Any other assignment deemed appropriate by campus/district administration.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise assigned teacher aide(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.  
• May be required to lift, position, or restrain students.  
• Exposure to biological hazards.

NUMBER OF DAYS WORKED:

187 Days 

COMPENSATION SCALE:

Teacher Scale + $Stipend