Teacher, SPED

Blanco ISD; Texas; On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Blanco ISD seeks a Special Education Teacher to provide learning activities designed to help students grow intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. You will develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons matched to student abilities, serving in self-contained, team, or itinerant capacities as assigned.

Key duties include implementing IEP goals through ARD, planning individualized instruction, maintaining compliance with district policies, and collaborating with parents and staff

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment
• Knowledge of ARD Committee process and IEP goal setting process and implementation
• Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs
• One year teaching experience preferred
• Experience working with students with emotional/behavioral challenges preferred

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other staff to develop IEP through ARD for each student
• Implement instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and document preparation
• Assess student learning styles and plan appropriate instructional strategies
• Present subject matter according to IEP guidelines and employ varied instructional methods
• Work with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula and assist students in regular classes
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings and in selection of books and media
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement
• Provide or supervise personal and medical care as stated in IEP
• Sponsor extracurricular activities as assigned and coordinate with district staff

Skills

IEP process understanding

Adapt curriculum for special needs

Effective communication

Collaboration with staff

Education

Bachelor's degree

Texas SPED certificate with 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 match 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 assignment

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

Experience:

• One year teaching experience preferred
• Experience working with students with emotional/behavioral challenges preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
4. 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.
5. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist 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. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
4. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
5. 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.
8. May serve on a district or campus threat assessment and safe and supportive schools team.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct the work of assigned instructional aide(s).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking; repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional 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; may work prolonged or irregular hours
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards; occasional districtwide travel
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions

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.