Position Title: SPED Classroom Teacher
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/At will
Reports to: Director/Principal
School: Campus Assigned
Contract Length: 187 Days

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university

CERTIFICATION:
Hold or eligible for a current valid Texas Teaching Certificate appropriate to assignment

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students.
• Thorough understanding of various special education needs and services.
• Thorough understanding of and the ability to implement a variety of effective teaching methods.
• Thorough understanding of policies, laws, and guidelines related to special education including IDEA, IEPs, and 504.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

PURPOSE:
The Special Education Teacher will coordinate and provide developmentally appropriate educational services to students whose abilities differ from their peers.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout school and classroom.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
• Must be able to kneel, sit, stand, crawl, push, and pull to assist and teach children throughout the day.
• Prolonged periods sitting and working on computer to complete necessary paperwork.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Performs a variety of assessments and observations to determine the areas in which the student may need extra or modified educational services. Assessment areas may include academic performance, behavior, social development, or physical health.
• Identifies the student’s needs and develops related lesson and teaching plans.
• Develops an integrated plan for the education of each child by collaborating with classroom teachers, parents, psychologists, social workers, and other medical and school staff.
• Develops individualized education programs (IEPs) for each student, setting learning goals and adopting modifications as necessary; ensures each student’s activities and lessons are planned and organized according to his/her abilities.
• Develops and teaches lessons that provide engaging learning opportunities for small groups and individual students while meeting required specifications of IEPs and 504 plans.
• Implements IEPs, provides ongoing or follow-up assessments, and continually tracks progress and makes modifications as necessary.
• Collaborates with classroom and homeroom teachers to ensure each student’s needs are met and plans are followed.
• Ensures programs comply with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); ensures each applicable student is provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is properly modified for his/her individual needs.
• Develops, completes, and maintains all paperwork mandated by local, state, and federal guidelines, laws, and regulations.
• Maintains knowledge of special education teaching methods, research, and best practices through professional development and study.
• Establishes and enforces classroom management structure and rules that ensure the academic engagement and the physical and mental safety of all students.
• Celebrates the achievements and successes of students.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

PLANNING:
• Provide daily lesson plans for all instructional days each school year
• Provide lesson plans for substitute teachers in your classroom
• Cooperate with grade level and school wide planning committees

Instructional delivery
• Deliver daily instruction to students assigned
• Provide lesson plans and activities that actively engage student in learning
• Screen all electronic, paper products, books, films or other media for appropriateness for use with students
* Provide alternative methods of education as needed

Student discipline
• Maintain classroom discipline conducive to a learning environment
• Provide redirection and disciplinary alternatives to correct student behavior
• Participate in school sponsored Capturing Kids’ Hearts training
• Provide a discipline management program consistent with Capturing Kids’ Hearts

Conferencing
• Conference as needed with parents and school administrators about appropriate topics
• Collaborate with staff and teachers in planning school operations
• Participate in staff development activities as assigned
• Prepare written and electronic communication that is consistent, with professional and easy to understand directions or directives for each audience

Management
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance
• Maintain accurate records of student performance
• Order supplies and materials in a timely fashion for the teaching level assigned
• Compile all records as requested
• Supervise students on field trips and events at the school and off site

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
• Maintain emotional control under the stress of instructional operations
• Travel as needed to secure supplies and materials
• Be flexible in assisting others as requested
• Participate in overnight training, field trips with students, and professional conferences

This is a professional position that uses professional judgment and may serve more than forty hours per week. Retirement is through the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) of Texas and not Social Security. TRS requires five years of participation before any retirement funds are vested. Texas Workers Compensation covers workers in this position.

Some teachers are partially or fully funded with Title I funds. Staff should ask their campus Director if they are paid from Title I funds. Such are Federal monies and are subject to reduction and elimination at any time.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Percentages assigned to responsibilities are approximate, and subject to adjustment by supervisors. This job description is not intended to create any express or implied contract of employment or expectancy of continued employment for any definite term.

Federal employees shall not engage in text messaging (a) when driving GOV, or when driving POV while on official Government business, or (b) when using electronic equipment supplied by the Government while driving.