Job Title:        SPED Teacher Elem. /Secondary           Exemption Status/Test:    Exempt

Reports to:      Principal                                                Pay Grade:  Teacher Salary Schedule

Dept./School:  Assigned Campus-District Wide            Date Revised:  02/12/2018

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.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments       

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual  

Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Additional Requirements:

Regular attendance is an essential job function and requirement.

Experience:

At least one-year student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect an understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
4. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
5. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
6. Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
7. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
8. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
9. Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
10. Use technology in teaching/learning process. Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of district’s curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles.

Student Growth and Development

11. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
12. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
13. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
14. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.

Classroom Management and Organization

15. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
16. Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
17. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP. 
18. Consult with the district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
19. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
20. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials created classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.

Communication

21. Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
22. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
23. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly. Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members.

Professional Growth and Development

24. Participate in staff development activities to improve job­related skills.
25. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
26. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
27. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
28. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct the work of assigned instructional aide(s)

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; [P.E. teachers: automated external defibrillator (AED)]

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist nonambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. You understand that supplemental duty assignments may be modified or discontinued at any time for any reason or no reason at all, at the sole discretion of the District, and that the Board of Trustees may change, modify, or eliminate the stipend for supplemental duties at any time.