Elementary Teacher

Job Title: Elementary Teacher - Special Education
Company: Hempstead Independent School District

Job Description:

Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly qualified and dedicated Elementary Teacher with a focus on Special Education to join our team. As an Elementary Teacher with Special Education expertise, you will be responsible for creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic excellence and social growth for students with diverse needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Strategies:
• Develop and implement lesson plans that meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with special education needs.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing, and use results to inform instruction.
• Create and amend lesson plans regularly to match the learning style(s) and current instructional needs of students, including those with special education needs.
• Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for students with special education needs.

Student Growth and Development:
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing, and use results to inform instruction.
• Create and amend lesson plans regularly to match the learning style(s) and current instructional needs of students, including those with special education needs.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned, and ensure that all activities are inclusive and accessible for students with special education needs.

Classroom Management and Organization:
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students, including those with special education needs.
• Manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook, and ensure that all students feel safe and supported.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities, and ensure that all students have access to necessary resources and accommodations.

Communication:
• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members, including those with special education needs.
• Create and send regular directions or instructions to parents with regard to their student's homework, and ensure that all parents feel informed and supported.

Professional Growth and Development:
• Regular daily attendance and active participation in Professional Learning Communities, and engage in ongoing professional development to improve job-related skills and knowledge.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills, and engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in special education.
• Comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers, and ensure that all students with special education needs are supported and accommodated.

Additional Responsibilities for Elementary K-5 ELAR Teachers:

• Plan and provide explicit Phonics instruction daily using Fountas & Pinnell Phonics, Spelling, and Word Study System, and ensure that all students with special education needs have access to necessary accommodations and support.
• Plan and provide daily, small group instruction that includes, but is not limited to, Guided Reading using Fountas & Pinnell Classroom Guided Reading Collection and district-provided intervention resources, and ensure that all students with special education needs are supported and accommodated.
• Plan, prepare and upkeep your classroom's physical space to include an area for whole-group instruction and class gatherings, an area for small-group instruction and discussions, and an area for children's independent work, and ensure that all students with special education needs have access to necessary resources and accommodations.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or training for subject and level assigned.
• Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assigned, including special education.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively with students, parents, and colleagues with diverse needs.
• Experience: One year student teaching or approved internship, and experience working with students with special education needs.

Working Conditions:

• Work inside, may work outside.
• Regular exposure to noise.
• Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Frequent walking.
• Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move text books and classroom equipment.

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