Life Skills Teacher

Primary Purpose:

Provides special education students with learning activities, vocational skills instruction, and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develops or modifies curricula and prepares lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels. Works in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree

Valid Texas special education teaching certificate
Valid certificate that matches the subject and grade level of the assignment

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Ability to be patient, flexible, and versatile

Basic technology competencies

Experience:

Successful student teaching experience or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

• Model core organizational beliefs and values; communicate openly and effectively within and across teams to maximize student success.
• Develop and maintain a classroom environment conducive to effective learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Participate in ARD committee meetings; collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop an IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
• Actively engage students in the learning process; plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect an understanding of the learning styles, capabilities, and needs of students assigned.
• Utilize technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Monitor and assess student achievement through formal and informal assessments; ensure that assessment and feedback are aligned with goals and objectives; provide opportunities for relearning and re-evaluation of material.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
• Document timely personal care services through the District’s online platform
• Manage student behavior; consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP; intervene in crisis situations and physically restrain students as necessary according to IEP.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s).
• Collaborate with other faculty and administration to improve State assessment performance of all students on the campus.
• Utilize effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Establish and maintain professional communication with parents, students, and district personnel; ensure that all interactions are supportive, courteous, and respectful.
• Participate in professional development activities that are aligned with district and campus goals, assigned area of responsibility, and the varied needs of students.
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by TEA and the district; file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Comply with all policies, operating procedures, legal requirements, and verbal and written directives.
• Comply with the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, and assist non-ambulatory students.

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional districtwide travel. Exposure to biological hazards

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.