What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Teacher - ECSE position at Mountain Valley Elementary School?
Primary Purpose
Provide students with disabilities, including those in Life Skills, Behavior/Structured Learning, and Early Childhood Self-Contained settings, with learning activities and experiences designed to support growth across academic, behavioral, communication, social-emotional, and adaptive domains. Design and implement instruction aligned to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) using research-based practices and data-driven decision making in alignment with the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS).
Education / Certification
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments.
- Valid Texas teaching certificate in core content being taught.
- Elementary School Teachers
- Teachers must obtain ESL Certification within one year of employment.
- Middle School English Language Arts
- Teachers must obtain ESL Certification within one year of employment.
- ESL certification for all other MS Teachers is preferred.
- High School Teachers
- ESL Certification is preferred.
Special Knowledge / Skills
- Knowledge of diverse learner needs including cognitive disabilities, autism, developmental delays, and emotional/behavioral disorders.
- Knowledge of ARD/IEP processes including development, implementation, and progress monitoring.
- Knowledge of behavior intervention, de-escalation strategies, and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
- Knowledge of functional academics, adaptive behavior, and early childhood development (as applicable).
- Ability to design standards-based, individualized instruction using assessment data.
Experience / Other Requirements
- At least one year of student teaching or an approved internship.
- Experience in Life Skills, Behavior/Structured Learning, or Early Childhood settings preferred.
Major Responsibilities and Duties (Aligned to T-TESS Domains):
Domain 1: Planning
- Develop standards-based and IEP-aligned lesson plans that reflect appropriate rigor and individualized student goals.
- Use formal and informal assessment data (academic, behavioral, functional, and developmental) to design instruction.
- Plan instruction that incorporates accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction.
- Design learning experiences that address functional academics, communication, behavior regulation, social skills, and daily living skills.
- Collaborate with ARD committee members to develop measurable goals and progress monitoring systems.
Domain 2: Instruction
- Implement instruction that is clear, engaging, and adapted to student needs using a variety of strategies (e.g., structured teaching, task analysis, visual supports, hands-on learning).
- Differentiate instruction to ensure access and progress for all learners.
- Use questioning, prompting, and feedback techniques to support student understanding and independence.
- Monitor student progress continuously and adjust instruction based on data.
- Incorporate assistive technology and augmentative communication systems as appropriate.
Domain 3: Learning Environment
- Establish a safe, respectful, and structured learning environment that supports student engagement and independence.
- Implement proactive classroom management systems, including visual schedules, routines, and reinforcement systems.
- Apply behavior intervention strategies and crisis prevention techniques, including physical restraint when necessary and in accordance with policy and IEPs.
- Maintain a classroom environment that supports developmental and sensory needs.
- Ensure student safety, including mobility, medical, and supervision needs.
Domain 4: Professional Practices and Responsibilities
- Collaborate with colleagues, related service providers, and families to support student success.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including IEPs, progress reports, and data collection.
- Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress and needs.
- Participate in ARD meetings and professional development to improve instructional practice.
- Comply with all federal, state, and district policies and procedures.
- Reflect on practice and use feedback to improve instruction and student outcomes.
Additional Responsibilities
- Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding as required by IEPs.
- Support development of self-help and independent living skills.
- Supervise and direct paraprofessionals and support staff.
- Assist in selection of instructional materials and adaptive equipment.
- Participate in extracurricular and campus activities as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise assigned teacher aide(s) and paraprofessionals.
Working Conditions
- Maintain emotional control under stress.
- Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.
- Lift and position students with physical disabilities.
- Implement approved physical restraint techniques when necessary.
- Assist non-ambulatory students.
- Exposure to biological hazards and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
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.
Benefits:
Vacation & Paid Time Off, Health Insurance