Teacher 2026-2027, Special Education Adaptive Behavior, WATKINS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A Texas-based school district is seeking a special education teacher to support students' intellectual and emotional growth. The role involves developing IEPs, adapting curricula, and conducting assessments while ensuring compliance with district regulations. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and a valid Texas teaching certificate with relevant endorsements. The teacher will manage classroom behavior and provide personal care to students as needed. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to maintain emotional control under stress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with appropriate endorsements.
• Knowledge of IEP processes needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide learning activities for special education students.
• Develop IEPs in collaboration with students and parents.
• Conduct assessments to adapt instructional strategies.

Skills

Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

Effective communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate

Tools

Personal computer

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 a self‑contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate that matches the content area and grade level of the assignment
• 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 Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting and meeting process and implementation
• Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs
• Effective communication skills

Terms Of Employment

Probationary/Term Contract: 187 days

Salary

Pay Grade T60 (Teacher Classification) as approved by the Board of Trustees

Essential Functions

• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential job function

Instructional Strategies

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEPs 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 an 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 IEP Committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Participate in the 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 approved extracurricular activities or outside activities as assigned.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students, as needed.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a 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 the 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 oversee completion if assigned.

Other

• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• 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.
• 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), if assigned.

Tools/Equipment Used

Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors

• 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. Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours