Elementary Special Education Teacher (Immediate Opening)

Merkel Elementary School; Merkel (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Merkel Elementary School in Merkel, Texas seeks an Elementary Special Education Teacher to design and implement individualized instruction for students with special needs. The role focuses on ARD-driven IEPs, curriculum adaptation, and collaborative planning with staff and families.

Starting immediately, the position requires a Texas SPED certification and a bachelor's degree. Candidates should be prepared to work in a self-contained or team setting, with ongoing professional collaboration and

Qualifications

• Education/Certification: Bachelor's degree and valid Texas SPED certificate.
• Special Knowledge/Skills: ARD/IEP goal setting process and implementation; ability to adapt curricula for special needs.
• Experience: One year student teaching or approved internship.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop IEPs through ARD with parents and staff; implement learning programs tailored to each student.
• Plan and deliver instructional activities; use materials and tech to meet varied student needs.
• Assess learning styles; adjust strategies to support growth in intellectual, social, and emotional areas.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to modify curricula; support inclusion in regular classes.
• Attend ARD meetings; assist in selecting books and instructional media.
• Maintain safety and professional standards; document progress and required reports.

Skills

ARD Process Knowledge

IEP Goal Setting

Curriculum Adaptation

Effective Communication

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Texas teaching certificate with SPED endorsements

Job description

Elementary Special Education Teacher (Immediate Opening)

Merkel Indep School District Merkel Elementary School - Merkel, Texas Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5671905

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Aug 18, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

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 assignments

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

Effective communication skills

Experience:

One year student teaching or approved internship

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

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct the work of instructional aide(s).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment

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

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

Contact Information

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