Special Education Communications Teacher

Reports to: Campus Principal

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Pay Family: Teacher Hiring Schedule

Minimum Salary: Teacher Hiring Schedule                       

Duty Days: 187 days per year

Primary Purpose:

Provides a specialized, self-contained classroom for students on the Autism Spectrum with persistent and pervasive behavioral excesses. These students will have TEKS based learning to support development of Social Emotional Learning with the goal of the reduction of maladaptive behavior thus facilitating the movement of students to a less restrictive educational setting. Provides students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited institution
• Master’s degree (preferred)
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment
• ESL certification (preferred)

Experience

• One (1) year of clinical teaching preferred; one year of teaching experience may substitute for clinical experience

Special Knowledge and Skills                                                               

• Knowledge of the special needs of students with persistent and pervasive behavioral excesses, cognitive disabilities and adaptive delays, and students on the autism spectrum
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs
• Familiar with evidence-based strategies for students with special needs, including positive reinforcement, data-based decision making and behavior management strategies.
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to obtain ESL certification within one year of hire

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develops and implements plans for the curriculum program assigned and shows written evidence of preparation as required.
• Prepares lessons that reflect accommodation for individual student differences.
• Presents the subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, Board policies and administrative regulations.
• Plans and uses appropriate instructional/learning strategies, activities, instructional materials, and equipment that reflect accommodation for individual needs of students assigned.
• Conducts assessment of student learning styles and uses results for instructional activities.
• Works cooperatively with other special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established by Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and or volunteer(s).
• Cooperates with other members of the staff in planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.
• Integrates technologies in the teaching/learning process.
• Assists students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.
• Assesses student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Assumes responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned and may sponsor outside activities approved by the school.
• Presents a positive role model for students that supports the mission of the district.
• Develops and maintains a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manages student behavior in the classroom and administers discipline according to Board policies, administrative regulations, and IEP.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, instructional materials, and facilities.
• Assists in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials necessary for students to participate and progress in the curriculum.
• Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students and their parents.
• Maintains a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Uses acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Keeps the principal fully informed with respect to the conditions and needs of the classroom and of new techniques and materials being used.
• Exhibits professional judgment and responsibility.
• Demonstrates behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
• Promotes professional improvement through reading educational journals and books, exploring educational research, enrolling in college courses, participating in staff development activities and membership in professional organizations.
• Follows all rules, regulations and policies of Denton ISD and directives from superiors.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records and other documents required.
• Enters draft Standards-based IEPs/goals, and accommodations, and updates progress reports in the districts data management system within prescribed timelines prior to the ARD Committee meeting.
• Provides parents with draft IEP goals within required timelines, prior to the ARD Committee meeting.
• Utilizes designated system to document the implementation of services, within department prescribed timelines.
• Upholds and enforces school rules, administrative regulations and district philosophy and board policies and presents subject matter according to established guidelines.
• Participates in annual IEP data management training and others as identified by Denton ISD.
• Provides Personal Care services as identified in applicable student IEPs.
• Conduct data collection and digital lessons through virtual platform.
• Participate in all District/Department level Autism PLCs (Professional Learning Community) and training as scheduled.
• Assist the department in the development, analysis, and review of specialized programs for students on the Autism Spectrum.
• Attends required CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) training provided by the district within department timeline in the event of involvement in a restraint.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
• Performs other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or Department of Special Education.

Other Related Duties:

• Follows district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participates in professional development, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment.

Environment: Occasional district-wide and statewide travel; work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards.

Mental Demands: Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

APPOINTMENT:

The appointment of this position will be recommended to the Board of Trustees by the Superintendent of Schools on the basis of the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise. The Board of Trustees must give final approval.