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:

At least one-year student teaching or approved internship

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.

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 as requested, including preparing competencies, drafting IEP’s and updating IEP’s.
6. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
7. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
8. Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
9. Use technology in teaching/learning process.
10. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
11. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
12. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
13. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school District.
14. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
15. Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
16. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
17. Consult District and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
18. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
19. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
20. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals and teachers.
21. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
22. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
23. Follow case manager duties as outlined by the Special Education Director.
24. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
25. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, District, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
26. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
27. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Student Growth and Development

Classroom Management and Organization

Communication

Other

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise assigned teacher 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: May require regular heavy lifting (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 and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

Regular attendance in accordance with District Policy is required and expected.

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time it deems advisable.