Gaining Appropriate Performance (GAP) Teacher
Job Description
1
Job Title: GAP Teacher FLSA: Exempt
Reports to: Principal Pay Grade: Teacher Scale
Dept./School: Assigned Campus Calendar Days: 192
Contract: Probationary/Term Revised: 5.8.2025
The Gaining Appropriate Performance (GAP) teacher provides specialized instruction to students
with behavioral challenges in a therapeutic, supportive, and structured environment by developing
individualized education plans (IEPs), adapting curriculum, and using targeted strategies to promote
academic, social, and emotional development while fostering a consistent routine and positive
behavior support system to help students thrive in a safe and inclusive classroom setting.
Education/Certification:
Bachelor's degree from accredited university
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for
assignments
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:
One (1) year student teaching or approved internship
Instructional Strategies
- Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the
ARD Committee process for each student assigned
- Implement an instructional, behavioral, therapeutic, and skill development program for
assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required
- Conduct assessment of student learning styles Plan and use appropriate instructional and
learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the
learning styles and needs of students assigned
- Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP Employ a
variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and
capabilities of each student assigned
- Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and
assist special education students in regular classes with assignments
- Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis
- Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media
Primary Purpose
Qualifications
Major Responsibilities and Duties
Gaining Appropriate Performance (GAP) Teacher
Job Description
2
- Oversee the responsibilities of the paraprofessional in implementing student programs, to
include training regarding data collection and implementation of specific instructional
strategies
- Collect and maintain data related to student progress and grades
- Report progress on IEP goals/objectives and grades as stipulated by district policy & ARD
documents
- Effectively manage and provide positive behavior supports for eligible students Complete
State Assessment requirements for eligible students
- Communicate regularly with general education teachers and parents/guardians regarding
student progress/needs/concerns
- Maintain confidential student records and audit folders
- Obtain and maintain certification in the CPI Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- Provide direct instruction in social and behavioral skills according to students' targeted
behavior goals
- SHARS Duties as assigned
- Provide Personal Care as identified in applicable student IEPs
Student Growth and Development
- Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing
- Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned Sponsor outside activities
approved by campus principal
- Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, behavioral, social,
medical, and personal needs of students
- Be a positive role model for students; be professional in appearance, in manner, and in
attitude; and support mission of school district
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
Communication
- Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents,
students, principals, and teachers
- Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues
Gaining Appropriate Performance (GAP) Teacher
Job Description
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- Demonstrate consistent loyalty to district, school, colleagues, and profession, being highly
positive and supportive in staff relationships
Professional Growth and Development
- Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
- Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required
- Actively pursue a long-range program of professional growth; continually seeking self-
improvement
Other
- 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
- Assume other duties as assigned by the principal and the Superintendent of Schools
Direct the work of instructional aide(s)
The evaluation of the GAP Teacher is a responsibility resting with the campus principal.
An evaluation shall be completed in writing at least once during the course of each school year.
Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment
Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and
twisting
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 nonambulatory 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
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.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Evaluation
Work Environment