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

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.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements that match 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.

• Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned areas.
• Knowledge of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting and implementation.
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

At least one year of student teaching or approved internship.

• Collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop IEPs through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Implement instructional, therapeutic, or skill development programs for assigned students and provide written evidence of preparation as required.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional strategies, activities, materials, and equipment reflecting students’ learning styles and needs.
• Cooperate with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings regularly.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities.
• Present subject matter according to IEP guidelines.
• Use a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
• Use technology in the teaching and learning process.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Be a positive role model for students and support the mission of the school district.
• Create classroom environments conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior, administer discipline, intervene in crisis, and physically restrain students as necessary per IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Consult district and outside resource persons regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Take necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain professional relationships 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 regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and documents.
• Attend faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Maintain district records per policies and the records retention schedule.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).

Tools and equipment: standard office equipment including personal computer.
Posture: prolonged sitting; occasional bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting.
Motion: repetitive hand motions with keyboard and 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.