Life Skills Teacher

Rogers Independent School District; Middle School; On-site; AUD 67,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Rogers Independent School District in Texas seeks a Life Skills Teacher to support special education students, providing learning activities that foster intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. You will develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons to match student abilities, working in self-contained, team, or itinerant settings.

The role requires collaboration with ARD committees and campus staff, plus implementation of IEP goals and evidence of planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment.
• Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop IEPs through ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Implement instructional, therapeutic, or skill development programs and show written evidence of preparation.
• Assess student learning styles and plan/perform appropriate instructional strategies and materials.
• Present subject matter effectively and use a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet needs of each student.
• Work with teachers to modify regular curricula and assist in regular classes.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings regularly.

Skills

ARD process knowledge

IEP goals

Adapt curriculum

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Texas teaching certificate

Job description

Life Skills Teacher

Job Description

Job Title: Special Education Teacher - Life Skills

Exemption Status/Test:Exempt/Professional

Reports to: Principal(s) & Special Education Coop Director

Date Revised:January 2025

Dept./School: Assigned Campus

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 match 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 assignment

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

Experience:

Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience

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.
• 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.

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 the campus principal.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a 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.

Other

• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
• 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.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct the work of assigned instructional aide(s).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used : Personal computer, phone systems, video/instructional equipment, and peripherals [P.E. teachers: automated external defibrillator (AED)]

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