Special Education Life Skills - Middle School

DeSoto ISD Job Description Job Title: Teacher , Special Education Contract Days: 187 Reports to: Principal Pay Grade: Educator Wage/Hour Status: Exempt Funding Source: Local Revision Date : May 2024 Primary Purpose: 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. Qualifications: 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 General knowledge of curriculum and instruction Experience: At least one-year student teaching or approved internship 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. • 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. OUR VISION To inspire curiosity and consciousness, develop character, build courage, and nurture compassion OUR MISSION To ensure students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest levels OUR VALUES Every Student We hold an unwavering belief that every student can achieve success and our students' best interests drive our decisions, actions and behaviors. Unconditional Belonging Together, we are responsible for cultivating a community where everyone feels they belong and are respected, cared for and safe. Courageous Learning We seek growth, challenge and innovation and embrace risk-taking as a necessary part of every person's learning journey. Relentless Equity Each person has access to the resources and opportunities that meet their individual needs in a way that allows them to leverage their greatest strengths. Collective Excellence We foster integrity, accountability and hold high expectations of ourselves as we support each other and collaborate towards our vision. Community Greatness We are grounded in our connection, pride and partnerships with our communities. Through our collective strength, we support people to do and be their best. Special Education Teacher Page 2 of 3 • 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. • Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities. • Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP. • Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned. • Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s). • Use technology in teaching/learning process. Student Growth and Development • 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. • Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal. • Be a positive role model for students; 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. 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. • Consult district 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. Communication • Establish and maintain open 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. Other • 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. Special Education Teacher Page 3 of 3 • Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required. Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise assigned teacher aide(s). Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors : Must maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem solving skills while under stress. Must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written). Should be able to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision -making. Frequent in -district and occasional in -state or national travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Safety: Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rule s and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an ex haustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. DeSoto ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age disability, military status, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, an d abilities. The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. Approved by: Date Reviewed by: Date