Special Education LIFE Teacher (26-27 SY) - Houston MS

IRVING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Special Education Teacher (AL/LIFE)

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

FUNDING SOURCE: Local or Federal

REPORTS TO: Principal

PAY GRADE: Teacher Salary Schedule (187 Days)

DATE REVISED: April 2021

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Provide special education students with appropriate learning activities and experiences in the most appropriate environment designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth; develop/modify curricula and prepare lessons and teacher instructional materials according to ability levels; work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Valid Texas Teacher's Certificate with appropriate endorsement for teaching area

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to develop IEP and participate in ARD process;
• Knowledge of curriculum;
• Knowledge of special needs of students;
• Knowledge of policies and practices addressing specific duties and responsibilities of assigned position, i.e. Lead Special Education Teacher, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Adaptive Physical Education Teacher.

Minimum Experience:

At least one (1) year of student teaching or approved internship

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Instructional Strategies:

• Collaborate with parents and staff in the development of IEPs.

• Develop and implement social and academic programs according to IEPs.

• Prepare for classes assigned and show evidence of preparation.

Student Growth and Development:

• Consistently assess student progress through formal/informal testing.

• Consistently assess and modify classroom environment to maximize student

success.

• Present positive role model for students that supports the mission of the school district.

• Provide or seek sources to aid students in dealing with emotional/physical needs that must be met before learning can take place.

• Provide positive and successful opportunities for students to develop positive self-esteem.

• Provide or supervise personal care or medical care of students as stated in IEP.

• Assist special needs students with individual tasks as may be required including, but not limited to:

• transferring to and from wheelchairs
• lifting, positioning
• feeding
• bathroom needs
• personal hygiene
• self-help
• behavior management
• other personal care needs

Classroom Management and Organization:

• Create a safe and positive classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of the students.

• Manage student behavior and administer discipline according to IEP.

• Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

• Plan and supervise activities for teacher aide(s) and/or volunteer(s).

Communication:

• Communicate effectively and professionally with students, parents, personnel from community agencies, and other professional staff in the education, care, and management of students.

• Provide on-going training, consultation, and support to school personnel.

• Create positive team approach to inclusive educational settings.

Professional Growth and Development:

• Participate in in-district in-service training.

• Demonstrate interest in professional improvement.

Policy Implementation:

• Keep informed of, and comply with, all campus, district, state, and federal policies and regulations.

• Complete and maintain all reports, records, and documents.

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

• Adhere to the Professional Code of Ethics.