Special Education Teacher- ECSE

Kennedale ISD; Texas; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennedale Independent School District is seeking a dedicated Special Education teacher to provide learning activities and experiences that support the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth of students with special needs. The role involves developing or modifying curricula, preparing lessons, and working in self-contained, team, or itinerant capacities as assigned.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree, a valid Texas teaching certificate with SPED endorsements, and experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited university.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments.
• Familiarity with ARD Committee processes and IEP development and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop IEPs through the ARD process.
• Implement instructional, therapeutic, or skill development programs for assigned students.
• Assess learning styles and plan instruction using appropriate strategies and materials.
• Present subject matter according to IEP guidelines and employ varied instructional techniques and media.
• Work with classroom teachers to modify curricula and assist students in regular classes.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings and in selection of books and instructional media.
• Establish open communication with parents, students, and colleagues; comply with regulations.

Skills

Special Education Knowledge

ARD/IEP Understanding

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Job description

3 and 4 year olds will attend this class.

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.

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

Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Strategies

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP throughthe ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assignedstudents and show written evidence of preparation as required.
3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructionaland learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding ofthe learning styles and needs of students assigned.
4. Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP. Employa variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs andcapabilities of each student assigned.
5. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed andassist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
6. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
7. Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
3. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
4. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
2. Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
3. Interact with students professionally, calmly, intentionally using de-escalation language and tone.
4. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
5. Collaborate with teachers and service providers to ensure access to grade level instruction and intervention, while meeting the individualized needs for students in specialized programs such as Essential Academics (EA) classroom, Behavior, Academic, and Social Emotional (BASE) classroom, and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom.
6. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
7. Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.

Other

1. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
2. Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
3. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
4. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
5. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
6. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
7. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

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 non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Environment

Exposure to biological hazards

Mental Demand

Maintain emotional control under stress.