Special Education Teacher

Job Description

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 self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Certification: Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area; understanding of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting, implementation, and adaptation of curriculum and instruction for special needs.
• Communication: Effective communication skills.
• Experience: Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience.

• Collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop IEPs through the ARD Committee process.
• Implement instructional or therapeutic programs and provide written evidence of preparation.
• Assess student learning styles and plan appropriate instructional strategies, activities, materials, and equipment.
• Present subject matter effectively, employing a variety of instructional techniques and media, including technology.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula and assist students in regular classes.
• Participate regularly in ARD Committee meetings.
• Assist in 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 as stated in IEPs.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities and sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
• Consult district and outside resource personnel regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior, administer discipline, and intervene in crisis situations, including physically restraining students as necessary according to IEPs.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding behavior management as per IEPs.
• Take precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Plan and oversee the work of teacher aides and volunteers.

• Maintain open communication through parent, student, principal, and teacher conferences.
• Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Stay informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and documents required.
• Attend faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the superintendent or designee.

Personal computer and peripherals, standard instructional equipment; agricultural equipment.

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

Motion: Frequent walking; repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; overhead reaching.

Lifting: Frequent heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); may lift and move agricultural equipment and animals.

Work outside and inside; exposure to extreme temperatures (hot, cold, and inclement weather), humidity, and prolonged sunlight; exposure to biological hazards; work around machinery with moving parts; work around moving objects or vehicles; work on uneven or slippery surfaces; work around animals; may work alone; frequent district wide and statewide travel.

Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours.

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $55,530 to $81,394 Per Year