Special Education Teacher (26-27SY)

Mission Statement

Uplift's mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each student to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in students a life-long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.

Summary

Provide special education students with appropriate learning activities and experiences that will enable them to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth. Develop student ability level instructional materials through modified curriculum and prepared lesson plans. Conduct work in self-contained, team, departmental or itinerant capacity as necessary.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Work in conjunction with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEPs through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Design, write and use instructional, therapeutic or skill development programs for assigned students and ensure written plans are available for review.
• Ensure comprehension of learning styles and student needs are met through creation and implementation of appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment.
• Collaborate with classroom teacher on student IEP to ensure all modifications are met and help special education students in regular class when appropriate.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on an ongoing basis.
• Design instructional activities by using data from students learning styles assessment.
• Ensure IEP guidelines are met when presenting subject matter.
• Employ technology practices to strengthen the instructional process.
• Produce and oversee the teacher aide and volunteer assignments.
• Sponsor outside activities approved by charter principal.
• Serve as an example for students, support mission of charter.
• Prepare classrooms to enhance learning and aid in the physical, social, and emotional development of the students.
• Control student behavior and implement discipline plan. This includes handling crisis and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Collaborate with the classroom teachers regarding student behavior management programs according to IEP.
• Collaborate with charter and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Ensure necessary and reasonable measures are taken to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Provide input on books, equipment, and material selection.
• Ensure good communication rapport with parents, students, principals, and teachers through conferences.
• Create and maintain professional relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Present information accurately through clear communication skills.
• Enrich job skills through professional development activities.
• Keep up to date and abide by federal, state and charter policies for special education teachers.
• Gather, manage, and file all reports, records and other documents required.
• Be active in faculty meetings and assist in staff committees as required.
• Maintain accurate Time & Effort records of program activities.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Supervise and oversee Teacher's Aide.

Qualifications

• Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree (B.A./ B.S.) from an accredited college or university required special education endorsements for assignments or be able to obtain such. Master's Degree is preferred but not required.
• Experience Requirements: Previous Teaching experience a plus.
• Special Skills/Certifications: Must have valid Texas Teacher Certification required special education endorsements for assignments or be enrolled in an Uplift designated certification course.
• Required Skills/Abilities: Communication Skills: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Bilingual Skills: Spanish speaking a plus. Technology: To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook). Ability to use basic office equipment. The ability to learn and use other software, as necessary.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The noise level is low to high and may have frequent interruptions. There may be activity from other employees and students of a distracting nature. Employees must be able to maintain emotional control under stress. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours will be necessary. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and use stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level is low to high and may have frequent interruptions. There may be activity from other employees and students of a distracting nature. Employees must be able to maintain emotional control under stress. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours will be necessary. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and use stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

High Needs Subject Stipend

$4,500

Starting Salary

$63,000