Primary Purpose:

Provides special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develops or modifies curricula and prepares lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels. Works in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Education / Certification:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
2. Valid Texas Teaching Certificate as a teacher of the visually impaired
3. Teaching certification held in multiple areas is preferred.

Special Knowledge / Skills:

1. Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area.
2. Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation.
3. General knowledge of curriculum and instruction.

Experience / Other Requirements:

1. At least one year of student teaching or an approved internship.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Collaborates with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
2. Implements an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
3. Plans and uses appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
4. Works cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assists special education students in regular classes with assignments.
5. Participates in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
6. Conducts assessments of student learning styles and uses results to plan for instructional activities.
7. Presents subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
8. Employs a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
9. Plans and supervises assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
10. Uses technology in teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conducts ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Provides or supervises personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
3. Assumes responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsors outside activities approved by campus principal.
4. Is a positive role model for students and supports the mission of the school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Creates classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
2. Manages student behavior and administers discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
3. Consults with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
4. Consults district and outside resources regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
5. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
6. Assists in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

1. Establishes and maintains open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
2. Maintains a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
3. Uses effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Other

1. Participates in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
2. Keeps informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
3. Compiles, maintains, and files all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
4. Attends and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
5. Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance and learning the records retention schedule for department records.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.