Special Education Teacher

Job Overview
The Teacher Special Education Resource In-Class Support Co-Teach Middle School will provide instruction in academic, behavior, social and self-care skills to students with disabilities using a variety of teaching techniques, materials and equipment. Resource/In-Class Support/Co-teach services are designed for students with varying disabilities receiving instruction in the general education and/or special education setting. Any teacher who will coach a UIL sport will also provide athletic services related to that athletic sport and the athletic program.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Service Delivery/Instruction

• Provide instruction to students with varying disabilities in the development of skills and knowledge that enables him or her to access the grade-level curriculum using accommodations and/or modifications in the least restrictive environment
• Prepare lesson plans and organize materials that are sequential and meaningful to instruction and geared to the student's assessed needs, IEP goals and objectives, functioning level, and aligned with the general education curriculum
• Maintain knowledge of disability awareness in order to plan and implement appropriate specially designed instruction to enable students full access to the general education curriculum
• Utilize data collection tools and assessment results to document ongoing student program maintain and retain accurate records, and monitor and adjust instructional, behavioral, and social emotional educational plans
• Use appropriate adaptive equipment and assistive technology as recommended by related service providers/ARD to facilitate learning, communication, mobility, and positioning
• Fully implement students' IEPS, including behavioral intervention plans, social skills, and accommodations/modification of materials/ and or curriculum
• Provide for basic needs of students' who, because of their disability are not able to care for themselves regarding personal care, including but not limited to toileting and feeding
• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure full implementation of students' IEPs, including behavioral intervention plans, social skills, and accommodations/modification of materials and/or curriculum
• Maintain updated knowledge and understanding of assigned grade-level(s) content, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

Compliance

• Maintain confidentiality with regards to student with disabilities as required by law
• Work collaboratively with parents, students, and school community personnel to develop an individual education program (IEP) for assigned students
• Develop present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) and Annual Goals/Objectives based on documentation of performance to present during Annual, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings
• Arrange and prepare draft ARD documents, participate in students' Full Individual Evaluation (FIE), provide progress reports to parents, and participated in required ARD meetings
• Follow all district, state, and federal guidelines related to serving students with disabilities
• Conduct and maintain tasks related to the School Health and Related Services Program (SHARS), including documentation of the provision of services
  

Program Support

• Participate in appropriate professional development activities, as required or assigned by campus, district, or special education department
• Provide support and direction to paraprofessionals regarding the implementation of students' IEPs and needs

If the position is tied to coaching a UIL sport, the following essential duties and responsibilities are applicable to coaching:

• Perform coaching duties as assigned as well as other duties required for the smooth, efficient operation of a successful athletic program
• Possess knowledge and adheres to UIL rules and regulations
• Assist the Athletic Department with budget, schedules, care/use of facilities
• Communicate with the Athletic Department on a regular basis

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.

• Bachelor's degree
• Valid Teaching Certification Issued by Texas Education Agency appropriate to subject and grade level of assignment or demonstrate competency through the state's Texas Content Competency Worksheet (TCCW) or has received statement of eligibility
• Valid Special Education Certification EC-12, or Special Education Specialist Certification EC-12
• Valid Driver's license with CDL Certification preferred if coaching a UIL sport
• Coaching experience preferred if coaching a UIL sport
• Ability to plan and implement lessons based on needs and abilities of students
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate technology equipment and software programs
• Proven ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.

The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.

Additional Information

• The employee will be required to work outside up to 25%25 of the time and will be exposed to the elements and inclement weather. This position requires lifting and positioning students, controlling certain behavior through hands-on intervention strategies and approved physical restraint strategies. Teachers are expected to intervene with students' behavior, which can include aggression, self-injurious behaviors, disruptive behaviors, and self-stimulatory behaviors. The potential exists for exposure to bodily fluids and frequent childhood, pre-teen and teen illnesses.
  

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