Position Title:                       Teacher, Special Education

Wage/Hour Status:             Exempt

Department:                         Assigned Campus

Reports To:                           Campus Principal

Approved By:                      Board of Trustees

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SUMMARY:

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:

Bachelor's degree from accredited university

EXPERIENCE:

At least one year of student teaching or approved internship

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of subjects assigned
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program
• Ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents
• Be knowledgeable of cultural uniqueness and variety of economical statuses reflected in a student’s home environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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 the 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 teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

11. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
12. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
13. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
14. Be a positive role model for students, support mission of school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

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

Communication

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

Other

24. Maintain confidentiality.
25. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
26. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
27. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
28. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
29. Perform other duties as assigned by the campus principal.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises assigned teacher assistant(s) and students.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree

At least one year of student teaching or approved internship

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and responds to questions from administrators, peers, students, parents, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. 

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

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.  General knowledge of curriculum and instruction.  Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior.  Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program.  Ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned.  Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents.  Skill in oral and written communication.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Occasional absences are understood but regular attendance is required.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit.  Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pulling and pushing is required. Employee may be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus.  The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

The employee must maintain emotional control under stress. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud depending upon the activity being conducted.  The employee is frequently required to interact with the public and other staff.  Employee may be exposed to biological hazards.