Teacher - Special Education

Texans Can Academies; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Texans Can Academies in Dallas seeks a dedicated SPED Teacher to support special education students through IEP development and collaborative ARD processes. You will tailor instruction to diverse learning needs and work with general education staff to ensure growth in reading and functional skills.

The role emphasizes collaboration with families, data-driven PLAAFP monitoring, and the use of varied instructional strategies and technology to meet individual student goals.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree and valid Texas SPED certification.
• Knowledge of ARD Committee processes and IEP development is essential.
• Familiarity with diverse disabilities and appropriate instructional strategies.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with families and staff to develop IEPs through ARD for each student.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings and document decisions.
• Monitor IEP implementation and track PLAAFP data, goals, and progress.
• Create and implement instructional and skill development plans to promote reading and thinking growth.
• Use station teaching and differentiated instruction with general education staff.
• Plan lessons and adapt curricula to meet individual learning styles and needs.
• Develop lesson plans with classroom teachers to differentiate regular curricula.
• Incorporate technology into teaching and learning processes.
• Maintain effective communication with parents, students, and colleagues.

Skills

Disabilities knowledge

Co-teaching

ARD/IEP process

Curriculum knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Texas teaching certificate with SPED endorsements

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 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 different disabilities and the special needs associated with those
Knowledge of station teaching and other co-teach models
Knowledge of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and the Individual Education Plan (IEP) development and implementation
General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Experience

Minimum of one year student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities And Duties

Instructional Strategies

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop the IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings.
• Monitor the implementation and the effectiveness of the IEP and assist with the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) data, goal setting and progress monitoring.
• Create and implement an instructional and/or skill development program for assigned students to show growth in reading and thinking.
• Implement station teaching in partnership with general education staff to create differentiated learning experiences for special education students.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Develop lesson plans and work cooperatively with classroom teachers to differentiate regular curricula.
• Employ mediated learning experiences and a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Use technology in teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Assist with coordinating, administering and documenting state assessments.
• Assist with the coordination and implementation of all health services for special education students.
• Consult with district and outside resources regarding education, social-emotional, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Participate in the transition process in conjunction with the Campus Transition Coordinator.
• Be a positive role model for students; support mission of Texans Can.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Provide Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) to students as needed.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding the management of student behavior according to the IEP.
• Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials appropriate to the learning needs and styles of special education students.

Communication

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective expressive and written communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Other

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Stay abreast 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards.