Teacher , Special Education LIFE Skills, WARNER Elementary SCHOOL

Primary Purpose

Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfil 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 self‑contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments

• Knowledge of the special needs of students in the assigned area
• Knowledge of Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting, the meeting process, and implementation
• Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs
• Effective communication skills

Probationary/Term

Contract:

187 days

Pay Grade T60 (Teacher Classification) as approved by the Board of Trustees

• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential job function

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

• 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 the IEP
• Assume responsibility for approved extracurricular activities or outside activities as assigned
• Consult with district and outside resource personnel regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students as needed

• 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 the IEP
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding the management of student behavior according to the IEP
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Plan and assign the work of teacher aides and oversee completion, if assigned

• 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

• Direct the work of instructional aides, if assigned

• 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