Teacher - K-12 Special Education

Position: 2026-2027 Teacher - K-12 Special Education (187 Days)
Location: Westlake

Job Title:

Special Education Teacher Wage/ Status:
Exempt

Department:
Special Education HR Revised:
March 2026

Reports to:

Special Education Coordinator

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Special Education Coordinator, the Special Education teacher is responsible for providing special education students with 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. Teach resource classes, monitor content mastery, provide inclusion support, or teach in other settings as assigned by the Special Education Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

* Bachelor's degree from accredited university.

* Valid Texas teaching certificate and licensing requirements for Special Education teachers.

* Completion of the state-required fingerprinting and criminal background check is required.

Special Knowledge/

Skills:

* Knowledge of and participation in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation in-person and online.

* General knowledge of curriculum and instructional best practices and knowledge of core academic subjects assigned.

* Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly. Ensure that all interactions are supportive, courteous, and respectful.

* Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior.

* Ability to support students with basic device setup, navigation, and technology issues.

* Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

* Complies with TEA regulations, applicable federal, state, and local laws, school policies, and standards of the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Strategies

* Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment for learning that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.

* Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to adapt regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.

* Collaborate with teacher aide(s) to ensure student needs are covered.

* Use appropriate integrated technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.

* Provide or supervise personal care as stated in IEP.

* Be a positive role model for students; support the mission of Westlake Academy.

Classroom Management and Organization

* Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.

* Manage student behavior and follow student's BIPs.

* Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.

* Complete Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training and Maintain certification each school year.

Professional Growth and Development

* Participate in professional development activities that are aligned with campus goals, assigned areas of responsibility, and the varied needs of students.

* Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

EVALUATION

* Performance of this job will be evaluated at least annually by the Special Education Coordinator.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Tools/Equipment Used:
Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.

Posture:
Prolonged sitting;
Frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

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

Lifting:
Regular moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.); may lift and move equipment; occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior.

Environment:
Work inside, may work outside.

Mental Demands:
Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours.

DISCLAIMER

This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.