Life Skills Special Education Teacher

Purpose

This teaching position is located in Houston, Texas at the University of Texas‑University Charter School (Nexus Children’s Hospital Houston Campus). It is a non‑traditional educational setting within a pediatric children’s hospital serving students who receive inpatient and rehabilitative services for complex medical injuries/illnesses, autism/developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological diagnoses. The position follows the traditional 194‑day school calendar (August 1 – May 31) and is part of the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education.

Responsibilities

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Effectively plan and use appropriate instructional interventions, strategies, activities, materials, and equipment to add educational value for each student (including ESL, GT, at‑risk, etc.).
• Comply with UT‑UCS curriculum standards and all relevant policies and procedures.
• Implement each student's IEP and 504 accommodations as stated.
• Establish and maintain open communication with the principal, professional support personnel, teachers, facility staff, parents, and students.
• Manage student behavior effectively and in accordance with the treatment plan (if applicable), the Student Code of Conduct, and the student handbook.
• Conduct ongoing, formal, and informal assessment of student learning and utilize data to inform instruction.
• Participate in faculty meetings, committee meetings, and staff development as required.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Texas Special Education EC‑12 and any Core Subject EC‑6 certifications.
• Knowledge of assigned subject(s) and understanding of TEKS and Texas curriculum standards.
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a non‑traditional school setting with special‑needs students of varying abilities and interests.
• Maintain awareness of the role that trauma may play in students' lives.
• Proficiency in technology and technology applications as specified by the district.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Fingerprinting required; relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid Texas English as a Second Language Supplement EC‑12 and American Sign Language EC‑12 teaching certifications.
• At least one year of student teaching or approved internship.

Pay

Salary Range: $65,000 + depending on qualifications. Salary is spread over 12 months.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salaries with eligibility for annual merit‑based permanent salary increases.
• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100 %, family premiums at 50 %).
• Voluntary vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
• Paid sick time and holidays.
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (defined benefit plan) with employer matching funds.
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: Tax‑Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and Deferred Compensation 457(b).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities.
• Tuition assistance.
• Expansive employee discount program, including athletic tickets.
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card.

Schedule

40 weekly scheduled hours. The position runs 194 days (traditional school calendar) from August 1 to May 31, with salary spread over 12 months. This is a termed position ending July 31, 2027.

Working Conditions

Classrooms are located within a pediatric children’s hospital in a non‑traditional educational setting.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with contact information (at least one reference must be from a supervisor)
• Letter of interest