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 accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments

Highly Qualified as defined by NCLB guidelines

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

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

 

Experience:

At least one year student teaching or approved internship

 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• 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, or skill development program for assigned students
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings for initial transition meetings as well as CRCG meetings as necessary
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
• Present subject matter according 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) and volunteer(s).
• Use technology in teaching/learning process.
• Conduct ongoing assessments in transition through formal and informal testing.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
• Monitor student progress, data, and IEP compliance.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
• Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.
• 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 regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, 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.
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain a professional effective relationship with supervisors, colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Update student IEPs in online IEP program using various criteria based on written data collection.
• 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 adhering to all ARD, local, state, and federal timelines.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

• Ensure confidentiality regarding all personnel matters.
• Complies with district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Adhere to the district’s safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

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, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards.