IRVING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Special Education Teacher (AL/LIFE)
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt
FUNDING SOURCE: Local or Federal
REPORTS TO: Principal
PAY GRADE: Teacher Salary Schedule (187 Days)
DATE REVISED: April 2021
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Provide special education students with appropriate learning activities and experiences in the most appropriate environment designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth; develop/modify curricula and prepare lessons and teacher instructional materials according to ability levels; work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education/Certification:
- Bachelor''s Degree
- Valid Texas Teacher''s Certificate with appropriate endorsement for teaching area
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Ability to develop IEP and participate in ARD process;
- Knowledge of curriculum;
- Knowledge of special needs of students;
- Knowledge of policies and practices addressing specific duties and responsibilities of assigned position, i.e. Lead Special Education Teacher, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Adaptive Physical Education Teacher.
Minimum Experience:
At least one (1) year of student teaching or approved internship
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Instructional Strategies:
- Collaborate with parents and staff in the development of IEPs.
- Develop and implement social and academic programs according to IEPs.
- Prepare for classes assigned and show evidence of preparation.
Student Growth and Development:
- Consistently assess student progress through formal/informal testing.
- Consistently assess and modify classroom environment to maximize student
success.
- Present positive role model for students that supports the mission of the school district.
- Provide or seek sources to aid students in dealing with emotional/physical needs that must be met before learning can take place.
- Provide positive and successful opportunities for students to develop positive self-esteem.
- Provide or supervise personal care or medical care of students as stated in IEP.
- Assist special needs students with individual tasks as may be required including, but not limited to:
- transferring to and from wheelchairs
- lifting, positioning
- feeding
- bathroom needs
- personal hygiene
- self-help
- behavior management
- other personal care needs
Classroom Management and Organization:
- Create a safe and positive classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of the students.
- Manage student behavior and administer discipline according to IEP.
- Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
- Plan and supervise activities for teacher aide(s) and/or volunteer(s).
Communication:
- Communicate effectively and professionally with students, parents, personnel from community agencies, and other professional staff in the education, care, and management of students.
- Provide on-going training, consultation, and support to school personnel.
- Create positive team approach to inclusive educational settings.
Professional Growth and Development:
- Participate in in-district in-service training.
- Demonstrate interest in professional improvement.
Policy Implementation:
- Keep informed of, and comply with, all campus, district, state, and federal policies and regulations.
- Complete and maintain all reports, records, and documents.
- Attend and participate in faculty/staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
- Adhere to the Professional Code of Ethics.