Teacher - Special Education - Resource and Inclusion

Job Title: Special Education Teacher Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Principal Pay Grade: Teacher Salary Schedule

Dept./School: Pre K - 12 Length of Contract: 10.0/10.5/11.0/12 mos.

Revised: April 5, 2019

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. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

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 special needs of students in assigned area

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

Experience

At least one-year student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities And Duties

Instructional Strategies

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop 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.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
• Use technology in teaching/learning process.
  
  

Student Growth and Development

• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
• Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.
  
  

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
  
  

Communication

• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
  
  

Other

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed 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.
• Comply with Case Manager Roles and Responsibilities
  
  

General Employee Requirements

• Support and align work with the mission, vision, and beliefs of the district.
• Follow and support board policies in areas of related responsibility.
• Ensure district resources are managed effectively to maximize resources for student learning.
• Share in the development and implementation of district success plans.
• Actively participate in ongoing development to improve work quality and district contribution.
• Model integrity, work ethic, and professionalism as a suitable example for LISD students.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

This position requires the following: (1) Ability to work in variable environmental conditions related to temperature, humidity and other atmosphere conditions. (2) Travel by car, van, bus, or plane, and working alone or with others. (3) Physical ability to do moderate to heavy lifting (up to 10 lbs. or more), light to moderate carrying (up to 10 lbs. or more), talking, bending, kneeling, pulling, reaching, grasping, pushing, stooping, walking, standing, sitting, climbing, occasional running and the ability to move with agility. (4) The ability to assist students with toileting and personal hygiene, feeding, mobility, positioning and seizure activity. (5) Knowledge of or ability to learn behavior management intervention techniques and the ability to learn CPI techniques. (6) The ability to maintain emotional control under stress.

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.

Approved by Date

Reviewed by Date