Special EducationTeacher Primarily Reports to: Special Education Director/Principal
Secondarily Reports to: Superintendent
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 endorsements for subject/grade level assigned
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
Experience: Two years teaching experience (Special Education preferred)
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. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect 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.
Student Growth and Development 11. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing in order to write and update IEP goals and objectives.
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. 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 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 as required. Communication
21. Establish and maintain open 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.
Other 24. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
5. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
26. Create, compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required (including, but not limited to 9 week and end of IEP term updates).
27. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
28. Maintain confidentiality.
29. Other duties as assigned.
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Although the employee may have periods of sitting, oftentimes, the employee will be moving around and on their feet.
Modification of Duties and Essential Functions: UMEP, Inc. retains the right to change and or modify the duties and essential functions of this position at any time. This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, during, or responsibilities required of the employee. This document is not a contract and does not negate the “At – will” provisions of an employer.
