Special Education Teacher

Primary Purpose :

Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.

Work with administrators, classroom teachers and campus support staff and central office instructional support staff to plan and implement instruction.

Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Qualifications :

Education / Certification :

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements for subject and level assigned, or

Valid Teaching Permit

Special Knowledge / Skills :

Knowledge of subjects assigned

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Excellent presentation skills, interpersonal skills, organization skills, and time management skills

Ability to work independently and efficiently to complete time sensitive matters

Dynamic team skills required in order to work collaboratively and productively with employees, students, parents

Experience :

At least one year student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties :

General

• Demonstrates thoroughness, reliability and a high degree of accuracy in performing work assignments.
• Works cooperatively with others and maintains a positive attitude in the work environment.
• Demonstrates initiative and good judgment in problem solving and decision-making.
• Reports promptly and maintains good attendance.
• Uses time productively on the job.
• Follows district policies, rules and regulations.
• Accepts supervisory direction.
• Strives to improve job skills.
• Demonstrates tact, courtesy and helpfulness in dealing with staff, students, parents, and visitors in the district.

Instructional Strategies

Develop and implement lesson plans and activities through distance or virtual learning to fulfill the requirements of district curriculum and show written evidence of preparation, as required.

Prepare lessons in instructional formats that accommodate differences in individual student needs.

• Plan and use appropriate instructional strategies, activities, and resources for distance or virtual learning that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of assigned students according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities.
• Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students 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 teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
• Use technology to strengthen the teaching / learning process.

Student Growth and Development

• Provide ongoing feedback on student achievement through formal and informal methods.
• Be a positive role model for students and support the goals of the campus and school district.
• Help students analyze and improve study methods and habits.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

Be available by phone, email, or video conferencing to confer with district personnel, students, and / or parents between the hours of 8 : 00 a.

m. - 4 : 30 p.m. or as set by the Principal.

• Communicate with students or parents on a regular basis as directed by the Principal to ensure that weekly lessons and activity plans are effectively communicated and monitored to ensure student progress.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Attend all campus events / activities as directed by the campus administration.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Professional Growth and Development

Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.

Other

• Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

Supervise assigned teacher aide(s), if any.

Working Conditions :

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Demands

Maintain emotional control under stress. Ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written), interpret policies and procedures, reason, read, understand verbal instructions, analyze, differentiate, coordinate, compile, and instruct.

Frequent standing, stooping, and bending. Ability to lift and / or carry moderate weight (15-44 pounds), sit, stand, walk, climb stairs or ladders, reach, repetitive hand motions, hear, speak and move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, or other classroom equipment.

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.