Autism Special Education Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY

: Provide students, who have special education support services, with appropriate learning activities and experiences in the core academic subject area Help students fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society, following special education regulations set forth by the district, state, and federal guidelines

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education/Certification:

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 Special Education Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of core academic subject assigned Knowledge of curriculum and instruction Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Specific knowledge of special education requirements set by state and federal guidelines

Experience:

One year student teaching or approved internship

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Instructional:

Implement and support specially designed instruction as outlined in IEPs and special education requirements Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of state and district’s curriculum and show written evidence of preparation as required Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations/modifications/adaptations for differences in individual needs Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, equipment, and technology that reflect an understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned and present subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations Conduct a formative assessment of student learning and use these results to plan instructional activities Work cooperatively with teachers to accommodate/modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP) Use student data to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements Plan and assign work to the instructional aide(s) working with students based on the student’s needs and information contained in the IEP Conduct observations of students for baseline and progress data Participate in and conduct parent conferences Use technology as available and appropriate to instruction Participate in campus Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Work closely with teachers and other campus staff using campus and district data to guide instruction Alternative methods of instruction All other duties as assigned

Student Growth and Development:

Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing Gather and maintain data on student progress throughout the grading period for IEP goals and objectives Collaborate with general education teachers to plan and prepare instruction and intervention using student assessments and data Communicate progress to parents each grading period per their IEP Use the district screener to gain student performance data at the beginning, middle, and end of the year Work cooperatively with teachers, paras, campus administrative, and district leaders to improve instruction Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned Be a positive role model for students Support the mission of the school district

Classroom Management and Organization:

Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students Manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities Assist in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional materials for students Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required such as attendance, grades, and data as applicable Assist in upholding and implementing administrative regulations and board policy

Annual Review and Dismissal Process (ARD):

Must be knowledgeable of the ARD process and procedures in compliance with district, state, and federal guidelines follow all timelines,maintain accurate records,participate knowledgeably and professionallydisseminate information in a timely manner, Prepare ARD documents to include PLAAFPs, IEP goals/objectives, supplements, transitions, etc. Gather data throughout each grading period to determine student’s progress on goals/objectives and determine their strengths and weaknesses and have evidence documented (logs, trackers, work samples, charting, etc.) Communicate with parents throughout the school year and each 9 week grading period for updates on IEP goals/objectives and have evidence documented Collaborate with teachers and campus staff regarding information for ARDs and sharing the information that has been updated or changed after an ARD Keep records, data, tracking logs, etc as outlined in-district special education procedures and upload into the student’s online file Use the district online platform for ARD preparation and documentation Follow all DISD A-Z operating guidelines that are relevant to the position, including, but not limited to, Case Manager Duties, IEP Access, and Implementation, Accessible Instructional Materials, Extended School Year Services, Discipline, FERPA, IEP Goals and Objectives, 10 Critical Components, Student Records, Modification/Accommodation/Specially Designed Instruction, and Documentation of Special Education

Professional Growth and Development:

Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills Stay abreast of developments in the profession and display an openness to change and innovation Comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members Perform any other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Direct the work of assigned instructional aide(s) Develop and supervise schedules and plans for the paraprofessionals that support students based on their needs Oversee and document completion of tasks by an assigned instructional aide(s)

This document describes the general-purpose, essential functions and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. The responsibilities listed herein will remain valid until such time as the job description is revised. The employee’s signature below indicates her/his understanding of and agreement to complete the responsibilities and meet the expectations of mental/physical demands and environmental factors as described.

EXPECTATIONS OF MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:  The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

Tools/Equipment Used:  Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students Motion:  Frequent walking and reaching, frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting Lifting:  Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment Environment:  Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (body fluids, bacteria, communicable diseases) Mental Demands:  Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; Ability to interact positively and proactively with students with behavioral concerns, communicate verbally and in writing, instruct and maintain emotional control under stress   Professional Dress: Dress must be clean, neat, in a manner appropriate for his or her assignment, and in accordance with any additional standards established by his or her supervisor and approved by the Superintendent. During work hours, visible body piercings (except earrings) will not be allowed. Visible tattoos will be covered at all times

EVALUATIONS :  

Performance of this position will be evaluated annually 

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