Greater Austin Area - Special Education Teacher
Thrive Therapies · Austin, TX · 3 wk ago
HybridEducationFull-time
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the IEP case manager for an assigned caseload of students with disabilities — coordinating evaluation timelines, annual reviews, amendment meetings, and progress reporting in compliance with IDEA and state requirements
- Develop individualized IEP goals that are measurable, standards-aligned, and meaningful to each student’s educational participation and post-secondary trajectory
- Write IEP present levels, goals, accommodations, and services sections with clinical and legal precision; ensure all documentation is accurate, timely, and complete
- Collaborate with SLPs, OTs, PTs, BCBAs, school psychologists, and mental health clinicians to align related services goals with classroom instruction
- Facilitate IEP meetings with families, general education teachers, administrators, and related services providers in a collaborative, family-centered way
SPECIALIZED INSTRUCTION & CURRICULUM
- Design and deliver differentiated, evidence-based instruction aligned to each student’s IEP goals and grade-level standards across academic, functional, and communication domains
- Implement a range of instructional approaches — including explicit instruction, systematic phonics, structured literacy, task analysis, visual supports, and modified curricula — matched to each student’s disability profile
- Provide instruction across service delivery models: resource room pull-out, co-teaching in general education, self-contained classrooms, and community-based instruction as appropriate
- Monitor student progress toward IEP goals through systematic data collection; use data to adjust instruction in a timely and documented manner
- Develop and implement accommodation and modification plans that allow students to access the general education curriculum
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT & BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT
- Establish and maintain a structured, positive, and predictable classroom environment that supports student regulation, engagement, and independence
- Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) developed by BCBAs with fidelity; collect required behavioral data and communicate patterns to the behavior team
- Apply trauma-informed, positive behavior support approaches that prioritize teaching replacement behaviors and building student self-regulation skills
- Supervise and direct paraprofessionals and instructional aides assigned to your classroom, providing clear direction and performance feedback
COLLABORATION & FAMILY COMMUNICATION
- Partner with general education teachers on co-teaching, inclusion support, and co-planning for students in the general education setting
- Communicate regularly with families about student progress, IEP implementation, and upcoming team decisions in a way that is warm, jargon-free, and culturally responsive
- Collaborate with school administrators on scheduling, caseload management, eligibility decisions, and placement recommendations
- Collaborate with transition specialists and outside agencies for students approaching post-secondary transition
- Participate in building-level professional learning communities, PBIS teams, and RTI/MTSS problem-solving processes
TRANSITION PLANNING
- Develop Transition Plans for students age 14 and older (or per state requirement) that are individualized, outcome-oriented, and coordinated with community agencies and post-secondary institutions
- Facilitate student-led IEP meetings and self-advocacy skill development as part of the transition process
- Connect students and families with community resources, vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and adult services agencies