Special Education STEP UP Teacher

Houston Elementary; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Elementary in Denton ISD seeks a Special Education STEP UP Teacher to support students on the Autism Spectrum in a self-contained classroom, delivering TEKS-aligned instruction and Social/Emotional Learning development.

This grant-funded, two-year position requires a valid Texas teaching certificate with SPED endorsements ( ESL certification preferred). It follows a 187-day calendar and involves ARD/IEP processes, collaboration with staff, and commitment to professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with SPED endorsements for assignment.
• ESL certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements curriculum plans for the assigned class.
• Presents lessons reflecting TEKS guidelines and IEP goals.
• Collaborates with staff to modify curricula for IEP needs.
• Integrates technology to support learning and engagement.
• Maintains open communication with parents and ARD/IEP teams.

Skills

Special education

Classroom management

IEP knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Texas SPED certificate with endorsements

ESL certification preferred

Job description

Special Education STEP UP Teacher

Denton Independent School District Houston Elementary - Denton, Texas Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Denton ISD - Online Application

Job Details

Job ID: 5935783

Application Deadline: Oct 22, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Posted: Sep 22, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Reports to: Campus Principal

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Compensation Plan: Teacher Hiring Schedule

Minimum Salary: Teacher Hiring Schedule

Duty Days: 187 days per year

Innovative Grant for AU Services, 2-year grant. This position is grant funded and continuation is dependent upon satisfactory performance, program needs and availability of grant funds.

Primary Purpose:

Utilizing the two-year Innovative Grant for Autism Services, provides students in a specialized, a self-contained class for verbal students on the Autism Spectrum with TEKS based learning and to support development of Social Emotional Learning with the goal of moving students to a less restrictive educational setting. Provides students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enables students to develop

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited university
• Master’s degree preferred
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment
• ESL certification preferred

Experience

• At least one year of clinical teaching preferred; one year of teaching experience may substitute for clinical experience

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of special needs of students the Autism Spectrum
• 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
• Ability to obtain ESL certification within one year of hire

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develops and implements plans for the curriculum program assigned and shows written evidence of preparation as required.
• Prepares lessons that reflect accommodation for individual student differences.
• Presents the subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, Board policies and administrative regulations.
• Familiar with evidence-based strategies for students with special needs, including positive reinforcement, data- based decision making and behavior management strategies.
• Plans and uses appropriate instructional/learning strategies, activities, instructional materials, and equipment that reflect accommodation for individual needs of students assigned.
• Conducts assessment of student learning styles and uses results for instructional activities.
• Works cooperatively with other special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established by Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and or volunteer(s).
• Cooperates with other members of the staff in planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.
• Integrates technologies in the teaching/learning process.
• Assists students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.
• Assesses student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Assumes responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned and may sponsor outside activities approved by the school.
• Presents a positive role model for students that supports the mission of the district.
• Develops and maintains a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manages student behavior in the classroom and administers discipline according to Board policies, administrative regulations, and IEP.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, instructional materials, and facilities.
• Assists in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials necessary for students to participate and progress in the curriculum.
• Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students and their parents.
• Maintains a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Uses acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Keeps the principal fully informed with respect to the conditions and needs of the classroom and of new techniques and materials being used.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, committee meetings and works sessions as required by the principal.
• Exhibits professional judgment and responsibility.
• Demonstrates behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
• Promotes professional improvement through reading educational journals and books, exploring educational research, enrolling in college courses, participating in staff development activities and membership in professional organizations.
• Follows all rules, regulations and policies of Denton ISD and follow directives from superiors. Follow attendance policy as assigned by Supervisor.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records and other documents required.
• Enters draft Standards-based IEPs/goals, and accommodations, and updates progress reports in the district’s data management system within prescribed timelines prior to the ARD Committee meeting.
• Provides parents with draft IEP goals within required timelines, prior to the ARD Committee meeting.
• Utilize X-logs to document the implementation of services, within department prescribed timelines.
• Upholds and enforces school rules, administrative regulations and district philosophy and board policies and presents subject matter according to established guidelines.
• Keeps informed of and complies with state, district and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings, program meetings, and serves on staff committees as required.
• Conducts all SHARS and X-logs duties within timelines as required by the Department of Special Education.
• Participates in annual X-logs, and IEP data management training.
• Effectively and accurately utilize the special education data management software system selected by the district.
• Provides Personal Care services as identified in applicable student IEPs.
• Conducts data collection and digital lessons through virtual platform
• Provides the Innovative Grant for Autism Services program coordinator with required reports, documentation, and data to fulfill the requirements of the grant within prescribed timelines.
• Participate in all district/Department level Autism PLCs (Professional Learning Community) as scheduled, in-person or virtually, by the Innovative Grant for Autism Services program coordinator.
• Assist the department in the development, analysis, and review of specialized programs for students on the Autism Spectrum.
• Complete the pre-selected 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Training via digital platform within prescribed deadline as defined by the Department and noted in the Innovative Grant for Autism Services.
• Attends required CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) training provided by the district within department timeline in the event of involvement in a restraint.
• Performs other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or Supervisor.
• Keeps informed of and complies with state, district and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
• Performs other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or Supervisor.

Other Related Duties:

• Follows district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participates in professional development, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. 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.

Environment: Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards; occasional district-wide and statewide travel

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

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.

APPOINTMENT:

The appointment of this position will be recommended to the Board of Trustees by the Superintendent of Schools on the basis of the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise. The Board of Trustees must give final approval.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Categories:

Classroom Teacher > Elementary

Special Education > Autism

Special Education > General Special Education

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Human Resources
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]