Job Title:         Special Education Teacher         Wage/Hour Status:     Exempt

Reports to:       Principal                                 Date Revised:              May 2022

Dept./School:  Assigned Campus

Summary:

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:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment
• Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience

Other Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area.
2. Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation.
3. Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs.
4. Ability to provide virtual/distance learning to students via Google Classroom and other multimedia options in response to pandemics, natural disasters, catastrophic events, etc.

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
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required by deadlines set by campus and/or district.
3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students
4. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with
5. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular
6. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by
7. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student
8. Use technology in teaching/learning
9. Be able to maintain ARD, SPED logs, and documentation.
10. Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.

Student Growth and Development

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

Classroom Management and Organization

16. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of
17. Plan and supervise assignments for instructional aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.
18. Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to
19. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to
20. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and

Communication

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

Professional Growth and Development

24. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
25. If considered and designated as a new teacher by HR or Administration, teacher will be required to attend New Teacher Academy comprising of approximately 5 days either at the beginning of the academic year or during designated Saturdays throughout the academic year.

Other

26. Maintain confidentiality.
27. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education
28. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
29. Attend and participate in school related activities to include but not limited to, faculty meetings, conferences, Open House, Report Card Night, Meet the Teacher, Title I meetings, Professional Development, approved community events, etc. Some activities may transpire after instructional hours.
30. Will serve on staff committees as required.
31. Provide weekly performance reports, required logs and other required documentation by set deadlines.
32. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
33. Performs other duties as assigned by the campus administration.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct the work of instructional aide(s).

Equipment Used:

Computer, telephone, printer, copier, fax machine, calculator, standard instructional equipment, and peripherals.

Working Conditions:

Occasional absences are understood but regular attendance is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to prolonged standing, sitting, frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and frequent walking. May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment. Employee may work inside/outside and may be subject to extreme weather. Regular exposure to noise. The employee must maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions may work prolonged or irregular hours. Employee may be subject to biological hazards.

In accordance with TEA regulations, STET/HMPS will provide virtual/distance learning when it is necessary. This platform will be conducted either from a classroom or a location other than the school building, as approved by the Superintendent.  Employee will be subject to virtual/distance learning policies and procedures as set forth in the employee handbook. 

STET/HMPS considers applications for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.