Special Education Resource Teacher; Lamar Elem​/Carl Schurz Elem

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

• Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments and a certificate that matches the subject and grade level of the assignment.
• Teaching certification held in multiple areas is preferred.
• ESL Certification required within six months of employment for elementary and secondary core teachers.
• Special Knowledge/
  
  Skills:
  
  Knowledge of special needs of students, the ARD Committee and IEP process, general curriculum and instruction, ability to instruct and manage behavior, and strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience: At least one year of student teaching or approved internship.

• Collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop IEPs through the ARD Committee process.
• Implement instructional, therapeutic, or skill‑development programs and provide written evidence of preparation.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect student learning styles and needs.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula and assist special education students in regular classes.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings regularly.
• Conduct assessments of student learning styles and use results to plan instruction.
• Present subject matter according to IEP guidelines.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet student needs.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aides and volunteers.
• Use technology in the teaching/learning process.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Be a positive role model and support the mission of the school district.
• Create classroom environments conducive to learning and appropriate for physical, social, and emotional development.
• Manage student behavior, administer discipline, intervene in crisis situations, and restrain students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding behavior management.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Take precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selecting books, equipment, and instructional materials.
• Establish and maintain open communication through conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication to present information accurately and clearly.
• Participate in staff development activities.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file all required reports, records, and documents.
• Attend faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Maintain district records, adhere to policies, and learn the retention schedule for department records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Supervise assigned teacher aides.

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, personal computer, and peripherals.

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional district wide travel.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

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