Middle School: Teacher Special Education Functional and School Health; FLaSH

Job Overview

The Teacher Special Education FLaSH Middle School will provide instruction in academic, behavior, communication, independent living, social and personal care skills to students with disabilities using a variety of teaching techniques, materials, and equipment. The Functional Living and School Health Services (FLaSH) program generally serves students with significant physical and/or cognitive disabilities. The students may not be independently mobile and often require full assistance to care for their daily needs.

The focus of instruction is visual and auditory stimulation, motor skills development, assistive technology, interaction with others, and, if possible, communication skills. Often students are medically fragile and may require custodial care. Teachers who coach a UIL sport must also provide athletic services related to that sport and the athletic program.

• Provide instruction to students with varying disabilities in the development of skills and knowledge that enables them to access the grade‑level curriculum using accommodations and/or modifications in the least restrictive environment.
• Prepare lesson plans and organize materials that are sequential and meaningful to instruction and geared to the students’ assessed needs, IEP goals and objectives, functioning level, and aligned with the general education curriculum.
• Execute behavioral strategies as indicated in students’ ARD documents (e.g., reinforcements, consequences, contingencies, etc.). Intervene using a continuum of behavior intervention strategies, up to and including approved physical restraint when students are in danger of harming themselves or others.
• Utilize data collection tools and assessment results to document ongoing student programming, maintain and retain accurate records, and monitor and adjust instructional, behavioral, and social‑emotional educational plans.
• Use appropriate adaptive equipment and assistive technology as recommended by related services providers/ARD to facilitate learning, communication, mobility and positioning.
• Fully implement students’ IEPs, including behavioral intervention plans, social skills, and accommodation/modification of materials and/or curriculum.
• Provide for basic needs of students who, because of their disability, are not able to care for themselves regarding personal care, including but not limited to personal hygiene, toileting, cleaning, dressing, lifting, positioning, transitioning, and feeding.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure full implementation of students’ IEPs, including behavioral intervention plans, social skills, and accommodation/modification of materials and/or curriculum.
• Maintain updated knowledge and understanding of prerequisite skills to students assigned grade‑level content, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
• Under the supervision of the nurse, provide school health services such as G‑Tube feedings, administering medication, etc.

• Maintain confidentiality with regard to students with disabilities as required by law.
• Work collaboratively with parents, students, and school community personnel to develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for assigned students.
• Develop present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) and annual goals/objectives based on documentation of performance to present during Annual, Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings.
• Arrange and prepare draft ARD documents, participate in students’ Full Individual Evaluations (FIE), provide progress reports to parents, and participate in required ARD meetings.
• Follow all district, state, and federal guidelines related to serving students with disabilities.
• Conduct and maintain tasks related to the School Health and Related Services program (SHARS), including documentation of the provision of services.

• Participate in appropriate professional development activities, as required or assigned by campus, district, or special education department.
• Provide support and direction to paraprofessionals regarding the implementation of students’ IEPs and needs.