Teacher - Elementary School / SP ED ECSE
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt | Reports to: Principal | Pay Grade: Teacher Salary Schedule | Department/School: Pre K - 12 | Length of Contract: 10.0/10.5/11.0/12 months | Revised: April 5, 2019
Primary Purpose
Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels. Work in self‑contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.
Qualifications
Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments.
Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of special needs of students in the assigned area; knowledge of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal‑setting process and implementation; general knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
Experience: At least one‑year student teaching or approved internship.
Major Responsibilities and Duties
Instructional Strategies
- Collaborate with students, parents, and other staff to develop IEPs through the ARD Committee process for each assigned student.
- Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill‑development program for assigned students and provide written evidence of preparation as required.
- Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of assigned students.
- Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special‑education students in regular classes with assignments.
- Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
- Conduct assessments of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities.
- Present subject matter according to guidelines established by the IEP.
- Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each assigned student.
- Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
- Use technology in the teaching/learning process.
Student Growth and Development
- Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
- Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in the IEP.
- Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
- Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
- Be a positive role model for students and support the mission of the school district.
Classroom Management and Organization
- Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
- Manage student behavior and administer discipline, including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to the IEP.
- Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to the IEP.
- Consult district and outside resource personnel regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
Communication
- Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
- Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
- Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
Other Responsibilities
- Participate in staff development activities to improve job‑related skills.
- Stay informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special‑education teachers.
- Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
- Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
- Comply with Case Manager roles and responsibilities.
- Support and align work with the district’s mission, vision, and beliefs.
- Follow and support board policies in areas of related responsibility.
- Ensure district resources are managed effectively to maximize resources for student learning.
- Share in the development and implementation of district success plans.
- Actively participate in ongoing development to improve work quality and district contribution.
- Model integrity, work ethic, and professionalism as a suitable example for LISD students.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).