Elementary - Special Education Teacher

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 curriculum and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

185 Days

Applications accepted until position filled.

Requirements

Responsibilities

• 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
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curriculum 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 in 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
• 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
• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development for students
• 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
• Establish and maintain open lines of 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
• 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 reports, records, and other documents required
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments
• 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
• Deer Park ISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Deer Park ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law
• Fingerprinting is required of all candidates per Texas Education Code
• Such additional qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
• Posture: Frequent sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds), occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; assisting non-ambulatory students
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress