Adapted PE Teacher

Primary Purpose

Provides special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.

Education/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Valid Texas Teaching Certificate as an Adapted Physical Education teacher.
• Teaching certification held in multiple areas is preferred.

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/Other Requirements

• At least one year of student teaching or an approved internship.

Major Responsibilities And Duties

Instructional Strategies

• Collaborates with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Implements an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Plans and uses appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Works cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assists special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Participates in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Conducts assessments of student learning styles and uses results to plan for instructional activities.
• Presents subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Plans and supervises assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
• Uses technology in teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

• Conducts ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Provides or supervises personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
• Assumes responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
• Sponsors outside activities approved by campus principal.
• Absorbs responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
• Is a positive role model for students and supports the mission of the school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Creates classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manages student behavior and administers discipline. Includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consults with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Consults district and outside resources regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Aids in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

• Establishes and maintains open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintains a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Uses effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Other

• Participates in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keeps informed of and complies with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
• Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance and learning the records retention schedule for department records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).

Working Conditions

• Maintains emotional control under stress.
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.
• Moves small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment.
• May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities.
• Controls behavior through physical restraint.
• Aids non-ambulatory students.
• Exposure to biological hazards.
• Frequent district wide travel.