Special Education Teacher

EXEMPT STATUS : Exempt

DIVISION : Certified

DEPARTMENT : Special Education (LEAP Program) Inclusive School

REPORTS TO : Principal

Supervises : Supervise assigned teacher assistants(s), if applicable.

Terms of Contract : According to district approval calendar.

EDUCATION :

• Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university,
• Valid teaching certificate for subject grade level assigned, Pre- Kindergarten (EC-6)
• Be eligible for the appropriate Probationary Certificate through a TEA approved Teacher Certification Program.

EXPERIENCE : Student teaching or approved internship or approved Alternative Teacher Certification Program training.

POSITION / FUNCTION PURPOSE :

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

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

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES :

Special Knowledge / Skills

• Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and individual
• Educational Plan (IEP) goal setting process an implementation
• Knowledge of subjects assigned
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to work well with a diverse population

Instructional Management

• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop
• IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Develop and implement plans for the curriculum program assigned and
• show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodation for individual student differences.
• Present the subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas
• Education Agency, board policies, administrative regulations.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media, consistent with the
• needs and capabilities of the student groups involved.
• Cooperate with other members of the staff in planning and
• implementing instructional goals, objectives, and methods in accordance
• with district requirements.
• Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher assistant(s)
• and / or volunteer(s).
• Employ the use of technologies in the teaching / learning process.
• Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Student Growth and Development

• Assist students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study
• Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide
• progress reports as required.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students
• as stated in IEP.
• Assume responsibility for duties and / or extra curricular activities as assigned
• and may sponsor outside activities approved by the school.
• Present for students a positive role model that supports the mission of the school district.

School / Organization Climate

• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate
• to the maturity and interests of students.
• Establish control in the classroom and administer discipline in accordance
• with board policies, administrative regulations, and students’ IEP.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students.
• Assist before, during, and after the school day in the supervision of students
• as assigned by the principal.
• Promote a positive work environment and positive staff morale within the school.

School / Organization Improvement

• Participate with other staff in building a common vision for school improvement.
• Participate in planning and implementing activities to ensure attainment of school's mission.

Personnel Management

Assist in selecting / orienting new instructional staff.

Administration and Fiscal / Facilities Management

Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect equipment, materials, and facilities.

School / Community Relations

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents.
• Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents,
• and community members.
• Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in the district professional development program.
• Demonstrate interest and initiative in professional improvement.
• Observe professional and ethical standards in accordance with generally accepted community standards and the Texas Education Agency code of ethics.

Policy Implementation

• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school
• regulations and policies for teachers.
• Assume responsibility for compiling, maintaining, and filing all reports,
• records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Other Duties

Perform such other duties as may be assigned or as may be necessary for job effectiveness.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors :

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom adaptive equipment.

May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist nonambulatory students.

Exposure to biological hazards.

The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.