Middle School: Teacher Special Education Functional Living and School Health (FLaSH) 2026-2027

Job Overview

The Teacher Special Education FLaSH Middle School will provide instruction in academic, behavior, communication, independent living, social and personal care skills to students with disabilities using a variety of teaching techniques, materials, and equipment. The Functional Living and School Health Services (FLaSH) program generally serves students with significant physical and/or cognitive disabilities. The students may not be independently mobile and often times require full assistance to care for their daily needs. The focus of instruction is visual and auditory stimulation, motor skills development, assistive technology, interaction with others and, if possible, communication skills. Often times, these students are medically fragile and may require custodial care. Any teacher who will coach a UIL sport will also provide athletic services related to that athletic sport and the athletic program.

Position Description

• Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Service Delivery

• Prepare lesson plans and organize materials that are sequential and meaningful to instruction and geared to the students' assessed needs, IEP goals and objectives, functioning level, and aligned with the general education curriculum

• Execute behavioral strategies as indicated in students' ARD documents (e.g., reinforcements, consequences, contingencies, etc.)

• Intervene using a continuum of behavior intervention strategies, up to and including approved physical restraint when students are in danger of harming themselves or others

• Use data collection tools and assessment results to document ongoing student programming, maintain and retain accurate records, and monitor and adjust instructional, behavioral, and social emotional educational plans

• Utilize appropriate adaptive equipment and assistive technology as recommended by related services providers/ARD to facilitate learning, communication, mobility and positioning

• Provide for basic needs of students who, because of their disability, are not able to care for themselves regarding personal care, including but not limited to, personal hygiene, toileting, cleaning, dressing, lifting, positioning, transitioning, and feeding

• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure full implementation of students' IEPs, including behavioral intervention plans, social skills, and accommodation/modification of materials and/or curriculum

• Maintain updated knowledge and understanding of pre-requisite skills to students assigned grade-level content, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

• Maintain confidentiality with regards to students with disabilities as required by law

• Develop present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) and annual goals/objectives based on documentation of performance to present during Annual, Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings

• Participate in students' Full Individual Evaluations (FIE), provide progress reports to parents, and participate in required ARD meetings

• Follow all district, state, and federal guidelines related to serving students with disabilities

• Conduct and maintain tasks related to the School Health and Related Services program (SHARS), including documentation of the provision of services

• Program Support

• Participate in appropriate professional development activities, as required or assigned by campus, district, or special education department

• Provide support and direction to paraprofessionals regarding the implementation of students' IEPs and needs

• If the position is tied to coaching a UIL sport, the following essential duties and responsibilities are applicable to coaching:

• Perform coaching duties as assigned as well as other duties required for the smooth, efficient operation of a successful athletic program

• Possess knowledge and adhere to UIL rules and regulations

• Assist the Athletic Department with budget, schedules, care/use of facilities

• Communicate with the Athletic Department on a regular basis

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field

• Valid Teaching Certification Issued by Texas Education Agency appropriate to subject and grade level of assignment or demonstrate competency through the state's Texas Content Competency Worksheet (TCCW) or has received statement of eligibility

• Valid Special Education Certification EC-12, or Special Education Specialist Certification EC-12

• De-Escalation/Restraint Certification (CPI) preferred or required to obtain once hired (district-provided training)

• Valid Driver's license with CDL Certification preferred if coaching a UIL sport

• Coaching experience preferred if coaching a UIL sport

• Ability to plan and implement lessons based on needs and abilities of students

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

• Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate technology equipment and software programs

• Proven ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms

• Occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials

• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus

• Exposure to the elements and inclement weather

• Lifting and positioning students, controlling certain behavior through hands-on intervention strategies and approved physical restraint strategies

• Exposure to bodily fluids and frequent childhood, pre-teen and teen illnesses