Teacher - SPED (Certified)

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.

Qualifications

• Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
  Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of different disabilities and the special needs associated with those
  Knowledge of station teaching and other co-teach models
  Knowledge of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and the Individual Education Plan (IEP) development and implementation
  General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Experience: Minimum of one year student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities And Duties

• Instructional Strategies:
  • Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop the IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
  • Participate in ARD Committee meetings.
  • Monitor the implementation and the effectiveness of the IEP and assist with the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) data, goal setting and progress monitoring.
  • Create and implement an instructional and/or skill development program for assigned students to show growth in reading and thinking.
  • Implement station teaching in partnership with general education staff to create differentiated learning experiences for special education students.
  • Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
  • Create lesson plans and work cooperatively with classroom teachers to differentiate regular curricula.
  • Employ mediated learning experiences and a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
  • Use technology in teaching/learning process.
• Student Growth and Development:
  • Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
  • Assist with coordinating, administering and documenting state assessments.
  • Affiliate with the coordination and implementation of all health services for special education students.
  • Consult with district and outside resources regarding education, social-emotional, medical, and personal needs of students.
  • Participate in the transition process in conjunction with the Campus Transition Coordinator.
  • Be a positive role model for students; support mission of Texans Can.
• Classroom Management and Organization:
  • Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
  • Provide Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) to students as needed.
  • Consult with classroom teachers regarding the management of student behavior according to the IEP.
  • Affiliate with the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials appropriate to the learning needs and styles of special education students.
• Communication:
  • Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
  • Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
  • Use effective expressive and written communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Other:
  • Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
  • Stay abreast 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 documents required.
  • Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment.
• May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students.
• Exposure to biological hazards.