Special Education Teacher
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.
Bachelor's degree from accredited university
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments
Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area
Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
At least one year student teaching or approved internship
Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
Direct the work of instructional aide(s).
Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment
Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Frequent walking
Lifting: 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; may work prolonged or irregular hours
Environment: Exposure to biological hazards
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress