Special Education Teacher - Life Skills Class (LSC)

Reports To

Work Year Days

Primary Purpose

Provide students with disabilities appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them achieve educational progress related to their intellectual, communication, emotional, social, physical, and self-help skills.  Develop modified curricula and other instructional materials to address each student’s ability level.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONLife Skills Class (LSC):

This instructional setting prepares students with significant disabilities to participate as independently as possible in critical natural environments.  The goal is to achieve the highest level of academic progress possible while participating with maximum independence in integrated community, domestic, recreational, and vocational activities. Life Skills provides educational services to students who require specialized assistance in the areas of academics, social, self-help, communication, and independent living skills.  Students are typically able to participate in some activities and classes with their non-disabled peers with support.   Life Skills classrooms are arranged to provide maximum opportunity for intensive specialized instruction on the prerequisite level of the academic TEKS.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:Valid Texas teaching certificate in Special Education

Elementary Positions: Elem Self Contained 1 – 8, or Generalist/Core EC – 6

Middle/High Positions: Generalist/Core 4-8, or EC – 6

 Special Knowledge/Skills:Demonstrated proficiency in creation, implementation, and progress monitoring of specially designed instructionAbility to individualize instruction to prepare students for participation in Lesser Restrictive Environments to the maximum extent possible

Experience:

Knowledge and experience in working with students with cognitive impairment/developmental delays preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Strategies:Collaborate with parents and other staff members to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through the ARD/IEP Committee (ARDC) process, including attendance at ARDC meeting.Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the students’ IEPs and reflect the District's established curriculum; demonstrate written evidence of preparation as required.Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles/needs, including activities, materials, and equipment.Use technology (including assistive technology) to strengthen the teaching/learning process.Plan and supervise assignments for teaching assistants and volunteers. Student Growth and Development:Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.Be a positive role model for students, support mission of school district.Help students develop independence and self-advocacy skills.Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.

Classroom Management and Organization:Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.Provide positive behavioral supports to manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.

Must be physically capable of implementing student restraint as a last resort for safety. Communication:Establish and maintain open communications by conducting conferences with parents, student, related service providers, principals, and teachers.Use effective verbal and written communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.  Supervisory Responsibilities:Supervise assigned teaching assistant(s).

Other Duties as Assigned

Frisco ISD retains the right to adjust the responsibilities and assignments of all positions as needed to meet the needs of the District.

Work Relationships

Frisco ISD is committed to fostering a collaborative work environment that honors and supports the social and emotional well-being of all.  Employees are expected to interact in a manner that is becoming of educators and promotes high levels of productivity for the benefit of the students we serve.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental FactorsMaintain emotional control under stress.  Physical demands include:  frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting and transferring students to and from wheelchairs, and assisting with positioning students with physical disabilities. Exposure to biological hazards.

Special Education General Employee Expectation:

The Special Education Department maintains an expectation that all staff will assume shared responsibility for the health, safety, and confidentiality of all students and adults; which may include implementing, supporting and documenting behavioral intervention strategies and/or providing school health, related, and personal care services.

Disclosure Statements

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. 

The Frisco Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, national origin, gender, age, religion, or disability status of otherwise qualified individuals. FISD does not discriminate on the basis of membership or application for membership in the uniformed services.