Classroom Teacher - SPED (ECSE)

JOB TITLE: Teacher- Special Education WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Principal

DEPT. /CAMPUS: Campus Assigned DATE CREATED: Nov 2022

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 match student ability levels. Work in a self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate that matches the content area and grade level of the assignment

AND

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments

ESL Certification required within six months of employment.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

Knowledge of Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting and meeting process and implementation

Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs

Effective communication skills

Instructional Strategies

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEPs for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect an understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to accommodate or modify general education curricula as needed and assist special education students in general education classes with assignments.
• Participate in IEP Committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Participate in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.

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.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students, as needed.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding the management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and oversee completion, if assigned.

Other

• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• 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:

Direct the work of instructional aide(s), if assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards. Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

School district employees may be required to work from home and use their personal electronic devices.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.