Elementary Special Education Teacher

Qualifications/Education/Certification

• Bachelor's Degree (required)
• Valid Texas Teaching Certificate in Special Education
• Bilingual preferred
• ESL Certification preferred
• Previous Special Education teaching experience preferred

Performance Responsibilities

• Collaborate with General Education and Special Education teachers in support of students’ instructional needs.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Maintain strict student confidentiality.
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
• Establish and maintain procedures to ensure order among students.
• Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, and professionals to develop individual educational plans designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social development.
• Provide differentiated instruction in support of students’ goals and objectives in one or more subject areas such as English, mathematics, or science.
• Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
• Modify the general education curriculum for special-needs students, based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
• Evaluate students' performance and academic development.
• Administer standardized tests as required.
• Attend staff meetings as required.
• Follow standard procedures for communication, interaction, and discipline.

Physical Effort and Work Environment

• Services are generally provided within a standard classroom environment.
• Some movement throughout the classroom is generally necessary to facilitate learning (e.g., standing, walking, stooping, bending, sitting, and/or kneeling).
• Light lifting of materials and other objects associated with a classroom environment is required (e.g., books, teaching aids, up to approximately 20 – 40 lbs.).
• Special Education Teachers may also be required to pick up students, restrain students as needed, and spend large quantities of time on the floor sitting, squatting, and/or kneeling.
• Field trips may be made.
• Candidate should be willing to contribute directly or indirectly to the development of children both inside and outside the classroom, which may include working hours in addition to the regular school day.
• This position may involve rare exposure to blood or body fluids.
• Regular attendance is required for this position.

Personal Work Relationships

• Candidate receives administrative supervision and is typically evaluated formally one time per year.
• It is expected that less experienced candidates will receive additional guidance on instructional matters and that those with more experience will serve as mentors, providing suggestions, guidance, and assistance as appropriate or necessary.
• It is expected that some candidates will be more involved in planning and coordinating departmental activities.
• Supervisor may provide detailed instruction regarding changes in policies, procedures, or laws or in reference to unusual circumstances or problems.
• Candidate has significant contact with students, parents, and other school staff to provide instruction, offer guidance, exchange information, and develop social skills of students.
• Candidate may also maintain contacts within the community to enrich the content of materials and utilize additional instructional methodologies (e.g., take field trips, invite guest speakers.)

Benefits

• Free Health Insurance, including major medical, dental, vision, and life (Employee Only)
• Sustainability Fridays
• Free Pre-K for Staff Children
• Professional Development and Coaching
• 403(b) plan
• Texas Retirement System Plan
• Stipends for candidates who meet special program qualifications