2025-2026 Special Education Department Chair @ Hastings High School

Alief ISD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 64,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a dedicated Special Education Department Chair to provide leadership and support in implementing best practices for special education instruction. This role involves managing IEPs, ensuring compliance with educational laws, and collaborating with teachers to enhance student learning. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in special education, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead and inspire others. Join a team committed to making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities and fostering an inclusive educational environment.

Benefits

Sign-on Bonus

Professional Development Opportunities

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in Special Education.
• Texas Special Education certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee campus special education services.
• Facilitate ARD/IEP Committee Meetings.
• Support teachers in developing effective IEPs.

Skills

Behavior Management

Oral Communication

Written Communication

IEP Management Software

Consultation and Collaboration

Organizational Skills

Education

Texas Special Education Certification

ESL Certification

Tools

Standard Office Equipment

Job description

2025-2026 Special Education Department Chair @ Hastings High School

(Internal employees must use the internal link to login & apply.)

https://aisd.tedk12.com/hire/internalLogin.aspx

Primary Purpose:

To provide campus leadership, coordination, and support of best practices for special education instruction to effectively implement each student’s individual Education Program (IEP) and to ensure the campus remains in compliance with special education law and state and district expectations.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Texas Special Education certification
• ESL Certification preferred or ESL Certification required within two (2) years of employment beginning with teachers hired in 2010-11 school year
• Performance evaluation of Accomplished or Distinguished preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to manage student behavior
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Prior experience and skills in using IEP Management software
• Ability to lead other adults through consultation and collaboration
• Strong organizational skills

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in Special Education

Major Responsibilities and Duties: Program Management

• Lead and oversee campus special education services.
• Facilitate ARD/IEP Committee Meetings. Document decisions made by the ARD Committee in compliance with state and federal law as well as district guidelines.
• Support teachers in developing effective/measurable IEPs based on effective PLAAFP statements.
• Provide campus support, leadership and coaching in the provision of specially designed instruction to meet individual student needs related to their IEPs.
• Support administration to review lesson plans, grade reports, IEP progress reports, grading procedures, exams, and materials.
• Coordinate student schedules with the counselors according to the schedule of services developed at ARD.
• Monitor campus compliance with procedural expectations to ensure students are receiving FAPE, such as, but not limited to IEP progress updates, documentation logs, verification of student services, provision of Transition services, adherence to ARD and evaluation timelines, etc.
• Provide Campus Testing Coordinator with information needed for statewide assessments (STAAR EOC, STAAR Alt-2, SAT, etc.) for students with disabilities in accordance with the ARD/IEP recommendations.
• Continuously oversee and monitor Course Selection and Planning to ensure students are on track for meeting graduation and post-secondary goals.
• Collaborate with campus instructional leadership team to provide input and expertise in designing and delivering instruction for students with disabilities.
• Model effective instruction; provide on-going technical assistance; assist in strengthening lesson plans.
• Conduct regular monthly department meetings.
• Meet regularly with paraprofessionals to facilitate their success regarding assigned students, classroom duties, and documentation requirements.
• Provide administration with the information needed for Master Schedule development in a timely manner.
• Respond to parent calls and/or written requests within 24 hours.
• Follow the end of year procedures for completing and submitting required documentation to the central office prior to the end of the school year contract.
• Process work orders and requisitions for departmental needs.
• Serve as responsible party for departmental budget and inventory.
• Assist the principal in the selection and assignment of teachers, budgeting for instructional materials, and planning and informing the department of in-service opportunities.
• Respond to requests for information and attend meetings as requested by Central Special Education Administration.
• Attend ARD/IEP Meetings on other campuses as requested by the campus administrator.
• Ensure that all local, state, and federal regulations are being followed. (policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and law).

Other

• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Maintain an appropriate level of technology competence to meet the current and future needs of Alief.
• Implement alternative methods of instruction as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of Professional Non-Supervisor Personnel.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used : Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture: Standing, prolonged sitting, occasional kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching; may also require climbing stairs and reaching over head. May be required to use therapeutic holds in the case of an emergency (only after appropriate training.)

Lifting: Moderate lifting and carrying (up to 15 pounds); May require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (15-45 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent district wide or in-state travel; all campuses are temperature controlled with hard surface floors

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The full job description for this position is included within this job posting. By applying for this position, you are accepting the responsibilities and duties of this position as they are listed in the job description.

Hiring administrators review applications, interview, and recommend for hire.

Probationary contract – 195 days plus 4 days of Alief U professional development for a teacher new to the district

2025-2026 Salary Schedule

Minimum teacher salary is $64,100

2025-2026 Teacher Salary Schedule

Salary is based on 195 days. If working less than 195 days, the salary will be less.

Certified teacher sign-on bonus:

Certified Teacher - Any field - $4,000

Special Education Teacher (Self-Contained Assignment) - $5,000

Bilingual Certified Teacher - $5,000

Certified Teacher with existing TIA Designation - $8,000

Bonus payment delivered in two (2) installments-50% (9/30/25), 50% (9/30/26)

Sign-on Bonus eligibility ends July 17, 2025

(Internal employees must use the internal link to login & apply.)

https://aisd.tedk12.com/hire/internalLogin.aspx