2026-2027 Teacher - 6-12 Special Education (187 Days)

Job Title: Special Education Teacher Wage/ Status: Exempt

Department: Special Education HR Revised: December 2022

Reports to: Special Education Coordinator

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Special Education Coordinator, the Special Education teacher is responsible for providing special education students with 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. Teach resource classes, monitor content mastery, provide inclusion support, or teach in other settings as assigned by the Special Education Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor''s degree from accredited university
• Meets all TEA certification and licensing requirements for Special Education teachers. Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or required training for subject and level assigned.
• Completion of the state-required fingerprinting and criminal background check is required.

Experience:

• Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of special needs of students instructing, both in-person and online
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation in-person and online
• General knowledge of curriculum and instructional best practices for in-person and online learning Knowledge of core academic subjects assigned
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior in-person and online
• Ability to support students with basic device setup, navigation, and technology issues
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Complies with TEA regulations, applicable federal, state, and local laws, school policies, and standards of the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Strategies

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned to in-person and/or online learning.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required for in-person and/or online instruction.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment for in- person and/or online learning that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to adapt regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments for in-person and/or online learning.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities for in-person and/or online learning.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP for in-person and/or online learning.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned for in-person and/or online learning.
• Collaborate with teacher aide(s) to ensure student needs are covered.
• Use appropriate integrated technology to strengthen the in-person and/or online teaching/learning process.
• Student Growth and Development Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing utilizing a variety of technology tools.
• Provide or supervise personal care as stated in IEP.
• Be a positive role model for students; support the mission of Westlake Academy.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create an in-person and/or online classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and follow student''s BIPs. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Complete Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training and Maintain certification each school year.
• Consult Westlake Academy and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials for students.

Communication

• Be available by phone, email, or video conferencing to communicate with students, parents, and Westlake Academy personnel including supervisor and colleagues.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly. Ensure that all interactions are supportive, courteous, and respectful.

Professional Growth and Development

• Stay informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers, including but not limited to Westlake Academy''s Expectations for Maintaining Professional Relationships with Students.
• Participate in professional development activities that are aligned with campus goals, assigned areas of responsibility, and the varied needs of students.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Other Duties

• Assume the responsibility of tasks and special projects as requested by the Special Education Coordinator.

EVALUATION

Performance of this job will be evaluated at least annually by the Special Education Coordinator.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Direct the work of instructional aide(s).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior

Environment: Work inside, may work outside

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours

DISCLAIMER

This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.