TEXAS LEADERSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Job Title:                     Special Education Teacher

Department:                Academics

Reports To:                  Campus Principal

FLSA STATUS:              10 month/Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Provides served by Special Education and Related Services with learning activities and experiences based on enrolled grade-level standards and designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Implement or modify and implement the curriculum, prepare lessons, and instructional materials appropriate to individual student’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance. Work in self-contained, resource, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.  This employee may be required to work with at-risk students.

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEPs through the ARDC process for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, and/or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of individual students assigned to caseload.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as indicated in the student’s IEP and assist students served by Special Education and Related Services in general education classrooms with assignments through inclusion support or consultation.
• Participate in ARDC meetings for students on caseload or new students as required.
• Conduct assessment of student learning strengths and weaknesses and use results to plan for instructional activities.
• Present subject matter according to the TEKS and the guidelines established by the ARDC and documented in the IEP.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and abilities of each student on assigned caseload.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teaching assistants and volunteers.
• Use technology in teaching/learning process.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal methods.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as outlined in the IEP.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities as approved by campus principal.
• Be a positive role model for students and support the mission of the charter and campus.
• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline as outlined by the student code of conduct and if applicable the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students when necessary as outlined in federal law and state law/regulation.
• Consult with general education teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP and when applicable to the BIP.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding educational, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school laws, regulations, and policies.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents as required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Coordinate with campus principal to supervise teaching assistant(s).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
• Special Education certification
• Teaching area certification as appropriate for assignment
• Minimum of student teaching experience or an approved internship required
• Experienced teachers must obtain ESL certification within one year of employment or within two years of employment if teacher is new to the profession—no prior teaching experience.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area.
• Knowledge of ARDC process and IEP goal writing process and implementation.
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction.

Physical and Mental Demands / Work Environment:

• Maintains emotional control under stress.
• The usual and customary methods of performing the functions of this position require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, significant stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• The job requires working with students who may not exhibit symptoms of illness thereby allowing exposure to unknown illnesses. May be exposed to biological hazards.
• Assist in toileting including diapering, feeding or oral facilitation, and personal hygiene for students as needed.
• With appropriate training, provide venting gastrointestinal tube, suctioning, skilled lifting, and percussion breathing treatments delivered in conjunction with health services.