Special Education Teacher Upper school 6th-12th

About the Role

Special Education teachers at ResponsiveEd are responsible for the achievement and support of critical students. They work with students who have a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities, providing a crucial bridge between home and school for high-need students and their families. Teachers partner with parents, general education teachers, and administrators to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and district special education requirements.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with campus administration to ensure ongoing child find efforts, including review of general education records and requesting special education records according to specific timelines.
• Schedule and conduct Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings to ensure appropriate placement and development of IEPs for students with disabilities within required timelines.
• Assist in acquiring contracted service providers as needed.
• Schedule Full and Individual Evaluations/Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED) while ensuring all timeline requirements are met.
• Collaborate with general education teachers and administrators to provide special education accommodations and services to special needs learners.
• Ensure student IEPs are appropriately written and implemented.
• Evaluate student progress regularly and use findings to improve special education services.
• Update and send IEP Report Cards to parents simultaneously with general report cards.
• Plan necessary time, resources, and materials to support general education teachers in achieving educational goals for students receiving special education services.
• Ensure compliance with all state-mandated assessments and alternative assessments, including their selection and administration.
• Assist the campus administrator with the Response to Intervention process.
• Develop and implement transition services for special education students as determined by the ARD.
• Serve as the campus resource person and trainer for all staff supporting students with disabilities.
• Ensure campus curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Seek assistance as needed from the IDEA Coordination supervisor.
• Demonstrate support for campus student management policies and assist with behavior management strategies related to students with disabilities.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, teachers, and administrators.
• Recommend sound policies to improve the program.
• Implement ResponsiveEd’s Special Education school board policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
• Compile and maintain all reports, records, and documents required by law and/or the Director of Special Education.
• Perform special projects during and after normal business hours, including Saturday Mandatory State Tutorials, and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Passion for students, especially those with disabilities.
• Ability and patience to work interactively with students, particularly those with disabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of and compliance with federal and state special education law.
• Working knowledge of and compliance with individualized services for students with disabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of and compliance with the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process.
• Knowledge of the development and implementation of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process.
• Knowledge of and compliance with Transition services.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills to implement multiple and diverse programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn and implement teaching curriculum software programs and instruct students on their use.
• Effective communication with students with disabilities, parents, administrative staff, and Campus Directors.
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and student data such as diagnostic test results, state assessments, transcripts, and grade point averages.
• Ability to adapt to district, campus, and/or department changes.
• Effective communication with and guidance from supervisors.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, preferably in Special Education.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate in Special Education (if alternatively certified, a letter of eligibility for special education certification is required).
• Additional grade level or content area certification may be required for select positions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Supplemental benefits and retirement plans.
• Generous vacation package.

Pay

Salaries are commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and aligned with the base salary schedule. This role is eligible for various stipend opportunities and incentives. Supplemental hourly compensation is provided for after-school tutoring or Saturday school.