Job Title: Special Education Teacher
Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Professional
Reports to: Principal
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
Valid Texas ESL Supplemental Certificate
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
1. Monitor and conduct the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process.
2. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
3. Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the school’s curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required.
4. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency and administration.
8. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
9. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
10. Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.
11. Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.
Student Growth and Development
12. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
13. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
14. Help students analyze and improve study methods and habits.
15. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
16. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
17. Be a positive role model for students and support mission of the school.
Classroom Management and Organization
18. Provide or supervise personal care and medical care of students as stated in IEP.
19. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
20. Manage student behavior and administer discipline in accordance with Student Code of Conduct, including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
21. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
22. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Other
23. Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special programs’ effectiveness.
24. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
25. Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
26. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
27. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
28. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
29. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
30. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
31. Follow special education workflow procedures for ARDS, IEPs, and FIE management.
32. Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Direct the work of academic coach(es).
Supervise students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom. This includes lunchroom, drop-off/pick-up, and playground duty.
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
This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.