Special Education Teacher - Functional Academics (FA)

Frisco ISD; McKinney (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Frisco ISD is seeking an experienced Special Education Educator to provide tailored learning experiences for students with cognitive impairments. The role focuses on developing modified curricula, implementing IEPs, and coordinating ARD/IEP meetings to maximize student progress.

TheAdvanced responsibilities include collaboration with parents and staff, instructional planning, and the use of assistive technology to support learning outcomes, while ensuring compliance with district policies and

Qualifications

• Education/Certification: Elem Self Contained 1–8 or Generalist/Core EC–6; Middle/High: Generalist/Core 4–8 or EC–6.
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Proficiency in creation, implementation, and progress monitoring of specially designed instruction.
• Ability to individualize instruction to prepare students for participation in Lesser Restrictive Environments to the maximum extent possible.
• Experience: Knowledge and experience with cognitive impairment/developmental delays preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop IEPs and ARD/IEP Committee process participation.
• Develop and implement lesson plans that reflect students' IEPs and district curriculum.
• Provide accommodations for differences in student learning styles/needs.
• Prepare lessons with accommodations for various learning needs.
• Supervise teaching assistants and volunteers.
• Use technology to strengthen teaching/learning and maintain required documentation.

Skills

IEP/ARD Process

Differentiated Instruction

Collaboration with Parents

Education

Elem Self Contained 1-8

Generalist/Core EC-6

Generalist/Core 4-8

Job description

Reports To

Campus Principal

Work Year Days

184

Primary Purpose

Provide students with disabilities appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them achieve educational progress related to their intellectual, communication, emotional, social, physical, and self-help skills. Develop modified curricula and other instructional materials to address each student’s ability level.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONFunctional Academics (FA):

This instructional setting provides educational services primarily to students with cognitive impairments who access the general education curriculum through prerequisite skills. An individually paced curriculum is developed for each student, focusing on reading, writing and math with a strong emphasis on pre-vocational skills. Instruction meets the needs of students requiring alternate assessment. Students are typically able to participate in some activities and classes with their non-disabled peers with support. FA classrooms are arranged to provide maximum opportunity for intensive specialized instruction on the prerequisite level of the academic TEKS.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

Elementary Positions: Elem Self Contained 1 – 8, or Generalist/Core EC – 6

Middle/High Positions: Generalist/Core 4-8, or EC – 6

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Demonstrated proficiency in creation, implementation, and progress monitoring of specially designed instructionAbility to individualize instruction to prepare students for participation in Lesser Restrictive Environments to the maximum extent possible

Experience:

Knowledge and experience in working with students with cognitive impairment/developmental delays preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Strategies: Collaborate with parents and other staff members to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through the ARD / IEP Committee process, including attendance at ARDC meeting.Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the students’ IEPs and reflect the District's established curriculum; demonstrate written evidence of preparation as required.Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles/needs, including activities, materials, and equipment.Use technology (including assistive technology) to strengthen the teaching/learning process.Plan and supervise assignments for teaching assistants and volunteers. Student Growth and Development: Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.Be a positive role model for students and support the mission of school District.Help students develop independence and self-advocacy skills.Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.

Classroom Management and Organization: Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.Provide positive behavioral supports to manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook. Must be physically capable of implementing student restraint as a last resort for safety. Communication: Establish and maintain open communications by conducting conferences with parents, students, related service providers, principals, and teachers.Use effective verbal and written communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members. Other: Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required for District and TEA compliance.Participate in professional development activities to improve job-related skills.Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, District, and school regulations and policies related to the delivery of special education services.Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise assigned teaching assistant(s).

Other Duties as Assigned

Frisco ISD retains the right to adjust the responsibilities and assignments of all positions as needed to meet the needs of the District.

Work Relationships

Frisco ISD is committed to fostering a collaborative work environment that honors and supports the social and emotional well-being of all. Employees are expected to interact in a manner that is becoming of educators and promotes high levels of productivity for the benefit of the students we serve.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental FactorsMaintain emotional control under stress. Physical demands include: frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting and transferring students to and from wheelchairs, and assisting with positioning students with physical disabilities. Exposure to biological hazards.

Special Education General Employee Expectation

The Special Education Department maintains an expectation that all staff will assume shared responsibility for the health, safety, and confidentiality of all students and adults; which may include implementing, supporting and documenting behavioral intervention strategies and/or providing school health, related, and personal care services.

Disclosure Statements

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The Frisco Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, national origin, gender, age, religion, or disability status of otherwise qualified individuals. FISD does not discriminate on the basis of membership or application for membership in the uniformed services.