TJJD - Teacher - Secondary Social Studies/History

Agency Information

We are committed to transforming lives and building safer communities by working collaboratively, communicating openly, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Our team models accountability, transparency, and respect, taking proactive steps to ensure the physical and emotional safety of youth, staff, and the community. We strive for excellence through continuous growth, thoughtful decision making, and mission‑driven collaboration, supporting one another while embracing challenges that lead to meaningful, long‑term impact.

Job Description

Plans, organizes, implements, and delivers the instructional program in the content area of assignment at the state school for youth who have been adjudicated delinquent of felony offenses, assigned to a high‑security correctional facility, and have a wide variety of temperaments and specialized needs. Work involves assessing students, providing individualized, competency‑based instruction, and maintaining a positive teaching/learning environment in which youth are guided and encouraged to develop and fulfill their academic potential. May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per work week and/or be on call.

Essential Job Duties

• Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate an active learning environment.
• Observe and evaluate youths’ performance and development; provide appropriate feedback and monitor individual progress.
• Identify learning needs of students and interpret assessment information.
• Select instructional resources and methods to meet youths’ varying needs.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of youths’ progress and development in accordance with laws and agency policies.
• Provide educational services to potentially aggressive/combative youth in a correctional setting, addressing a wide variety of temperaments (volatile, aggressive, suicidal) and specialized needs (chemically dependent, sexual offenders).
• Treat youth with respect and react quickly to verbally and physically defuse hazardous, combative, volatile situations as needed.
• Stay current with developments in the subject area, teaching resources, and methods, and adjust instructional plans accordingly.
• Perform related duties as assigned and comply with agency safety policies and procedures, including reporting and correcting safety hazards and completing required accident documentation.
• Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and a valid Secondary Texas Teacher Certification in the specified subject assignment area. Must be highly qualified in all areas of the teaching assignment. Any degree, diploma, high school equivalent, or course hours required to meet minimum qualifications must be from an accredited educational institution.

Pre‑employment conditions require acceptable results from mandatory drug test, fingerprinting and criminal records check, and a Fitness‑for‑Duty Assessment which may include both physical and behavioral evaluations.

Continued employment requires maintenance of required licensure/certification and certification in TJJDs Use of Force techniques, which includes physical restraint of juveniles. This position is subject to mandatory pre‑employment drug testing; employment is contingent upon acceptable drug screen results.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of state and federal education laws and regulations and the subject matter to be taught.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to implement Texas Education Agency (TEA) education policies and procedures and agency policies, procedures, and operating guidelines.
• Ability to convey and interpret information to students, lead discussions, and communicate orally and in writing with students, parents, administrators, and other professionals.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions, including extreme heightened stress, and to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate with all stakeholders while maintaining a professional, courteous demeanor.
• Ability to keep accurate files and records, work in excess of 40 hours per week and/or be on‑call.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to see and hear (with or without aid).
• Heavy lifting and carrying of 45 lb. or more; pulling, pushing, and climbing ladders or stairs.
• Repeated bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and reaching above shoulder.
• Manual/finger dexterity and dual simultaneous grasping; ability to identify colors.
• Depth perception, walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods.