Special Education Teacher

Austin Achieve Public Schools is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school preparing Austin youth to attend and excel at the nation’s top colleges and universities.

Our educators are passionate advocates for our scholars and their families, committed to closing the opportunity gap for underserved communities.

At Austin Achieve, you are joining a network of individuals committed to excellence. We have ambitious plans to scale our system to serve the children in our communities better and are looking for educators who are ready to drive transformative change.

The Special Education Lifeskills Teacher is responsible for providing scholars with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth;

enabling scholars to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in life with maximum independence. For the 2020-2021 school year we will be hiring a Special Education Lifeskills Teacher at the Middle School level in grades 5-8.

Responsibilities :

• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of scholars assigned
• Assess individual scholar’s progress and learning needs; demonstrate a relentless focus on helping scholars achieve
• Participate in the ARD committee to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each scholar
• Work cooperatively with general education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education scholars according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP)
• Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements
• Plan and supervise assignments of paraprofessional(s)
• Use technology to strengthen the teaching / learning process
• Conduct ongoing assessment of scholar achievement through formal and informal testing
• Discuss scholar's progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators
• Be a positive role model for scholars
• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of scholars
• Prepare and help scholars transition from grade to grade
• Manage scholar behavior in accordance with Scholar Code of Conduct and scholar handbook
• Provide or supervise personal care to include diapering and other essential needs, medical care, and feeding of scholars as stated in IEP
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect scholars, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials
• Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, scholars, parents, and community members
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned; sponsor outside activities approved by the district
• Participate in the district staff development program
• Demonstrate interest and initiative in professional improvement
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required
• Comply with district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations
• Adhere to the district’s safety policies and procedures
• Maintain all documentation and records for individual scholars; ensure confidentiality in reporting
• Monitor for compliance with state and federal laws, ensuring consistent, fail-safe and quality documentation
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Demands / Environmental Factors :

• Frequent / prolonged standing, walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, squatting, pulling, pushing, twisting, lifting, and carrying
• Moving media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment
• May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist nonambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment

Qualifications :

• At least 2 years of experience as a special education teacher working with second language learners and scholars from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds (preferred)
• Experience with and strong knowledge of local and national special education laws and mandates
• An active, valid Texas Standard Special Education certification or Intern Special Education certification, core content certification (required)
• Bachelor’s degree (required); Master’s degree (preferred)

Teaching at Austin Achieve :

• Unwavering commitment to Austin Achieve’s mission, scholars, families, and community
• Strong record of helping scholars achieve academic success, primarily with minority and low-income scholars
• Desire to continuously learn and increase effectiveness as a teacher and professional; offer and receive constructive feedback
• Willingness to be flexible and to go above and beyond to meet the needs of Austin Achieve scholars
• Austin Achieve is committed to supporting the use of technology. Teachers can expect that there will be a class set of Chromebooks in every classroom.

Additionally, Austin Achieve will use online tools to track scholar mastery. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate technology into their daily lessons.