Elementary Special Education Teacher

Job Title: Special Education Teacher

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Campus Principal & Special Education Executive Director

Pay Grade: Teacher Salary Scale

Dept/School: Assigned Campus

Funding Source: Special Education

Initiated Date: February 4, 2002 Revised Date: January 24, 2017

District Primary Purpose:

To assist and promote La Joya ISD in implementing a rigorous curriculum/instructional program that supports student success and achievement.

Department Primary Purpose:

The Special Education Teacher's primary responsibility is to plan and implement an individualized educational program designed to assist in those areas in which the students experience difficulty to facilitate academic, social, and emotional growth.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Valid Teacher's Certificate
• Special Education certification and/or endorsement
• Content Area Endorsemenet
• Bilingual Supplemental

Experience/Knowledge: This position requires the ability to apply knowledge of subject matter and current educational and instructional theories, research based interventions, methodologies, techniques, and principles; as well as knowledge of State, Local, and Federal laws and regulations affecting the lives and education of students receiving special education services. A professional attitude, appearance, and excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to develop a positive rapport with staff, students and parents/guardians are required.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Plan lessons including activities in congruence with enrolled grade level TEKS and La Joya ISD Curriculum Timelines incorporating the use of technology into student centered activities.
2. Provide instruction to a class, individual students, or groups of students using differentiated instruction and various instructional methods.
3. Identify the learning styles of students to make the appropriate modification in curriculum and teaching strategies.
4. Evaluate students in accordance with La Joya ISD's Special Education Department's Operating Policies & Procedures.
5. Maintain accurate records (e.g. grades, attendance, progress reports, ARD paperwork, student modifications / accommodations, etc.)
6. Perform all duties pertaining to area of instructional delivery assigned (e.g. content mastery, resource and inclusion).
7. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
8. Plan with assigned campus and special education staff and related service providers in developing and implementing an Individual Education Plan with identifiable steps designed to improve the student's total educational progress.
9. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP in order to manage student behavior both inside and outside the classroom. This includes intervening in crisis situations by applying proactive strategies when dealing with student's behaviors and implementing district approved techniques for verbal de escalation and safe physical restraints, such as Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI).
10. Maintain contact with parents in regards to student performance through activities such as parent-teacher conferences, progress reports, letters, and ARD meetings.
11. Provide technical guidance related to special education laws and local policies/procedures to general education teachers and less experienced special education teachers / instructional assistants.
12. Plan, develop and conduct Annual ARDS to ensure compliance with timelines.
13. Comply with all Federal, State, District, School Regulations and Polices for Special Education Teachers (e.g. ARD timelines, Prior Written Notice, Change of Placement, etc.).
14. Notify Special Education Supervisors when related services are not being provided to students as prescribed in their IEPs.
15. Maintain professional development through activities such as classes, conferences, seminars, workshops, professional journals, book studies and attendance at staff developments.
16. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
17. Maintain confidentiality of all student information and all aspects of the special education department.
18. Perform other duties pertaining to special education as assigned by the school principal, and / or Special Education Director.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data. Maintain emotional control under stress; ability to interpret and implement TEA rules and regulations.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Occasional prolonged hours, regular physical demands of stooping, lifting, and other strenuous demands of job performance (e.g. picking up students, restraining students, etc.). This position may involve rare exposure to bacteria, bodily fluids and communicable diseases.

POSITION WORKING DAYS: 187 Days