Contract Special Services Teachers

Job Title: Contract Special Services Education Teacher

Exemption Status: Exempt

Reports to: Principal

Date Revised: 4.24.2024

Dept./School: Assigned Campus

Primary Purpose:

Provide specially designed instruction and support to students with disabilities in order to help them achieve academinc, behavioral, and social growth. Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that support access to the general curriculum and promote growth in accordance with federal, state, and district requirements.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment

Special Knowledge/Skills:

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

Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs

Effective communication skills

Experience:

Student teaching, approved internship, or relevant classroom experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Plan and deliver instruction using a variety of strategies to meet student needs in resource, inclusion, and/or self-contained settings.
• Adapt general education curriculum as needed for students with disabilities based on instructional needs and IEP goals.
• Use data from assessments and progress monitoring to adjust instruction and services.
• Work collaboratively with general education teachers, related service providers, and support staff.
• Supervise and guide instructional aides and paraprofessionals assigned to the classroom
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.

Student Growth and Development

• Conduct ongoing formal and informal assessments of student progress.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
• Monitor student behavior and implement behavior intervention plans as needed.
• Serve as a positive role model and advocate for students with disabilities.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline including 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.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.

Other

• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• 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.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct the work of instructional aide(s).

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

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 light and heavy lifting (15 to 45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist nonambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards. Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with student exhibiting challenging behaviors

This document describes the general purpose 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.