Anticipated SPED Life Skills Teacher

Reports to: PrincipalStatus: ExemptTerm: Teacher DaysPRIMARY 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 assignedQUALIFICATIONS:Education/Certification:Bachelor's degree from accredited college or universityValid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for subject and level assignedSpecial Knowledge/Skills:Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned areaKnowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementationSpecific knowledge of subjects assignedGeneral knowledge of curriculum and instructionAbility to instruct students and manage their behaviorStrong organizational, communications, and interpersonal skillsExperience:At least one year of field experience (student teaching) or approved internshipMAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:Instructional StrategiesCollaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned Page 2 of 4Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as requiredPlan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assignedWork cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignmentsWork cooperatively with general education teachers to provide TEKS based instruction in the inclusion settingParticipate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basisPresent subject matter according to guidelines established by IEPEmploy a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assignedPlan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s)Use technology in teaching/learning processStudent Growth and DevelopmentConduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testingProvide or supervise personal care to include diapering and other essential needs, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned; sponsor outside activities approved by campus principalBe a positive role model for students; support mission of school districtClassroom Management and OrganizationCreate classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students Page 3 of 4Manage student behavior and administer discipline; this includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEPConsult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEPTake all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilitiesAssist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materialsCommunicationEstablish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachersMaintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community membersUse effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearlyOtherParticipate in staff development activities to improve job-related skillsCompile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents requiredAttend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as requiredComply with district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulationsAdhere to the district's safety policies and proceduresMaintain confidentiality in the conduct of district businessMust be able to perform the essential functions of walking and interacting with students and/or district employees in the specific work site assigned (classroom or office setting)Demonstrate regular and prompt attendanceOther duties as assigned Page 4 of 4SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:Supervise assigned teacher aide(s) as requiredEQUIPMENT USED:Copier, personal computer and appropriate software, typewriter, printer, calculator, fax machine and audio-visual equipmentWORKING CONDITIONS:Mental Demands:Reading, ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); maintain emotional control under stress; coordinate district-wide curriculum functions; interpret policy, procedures, and dataPhysical Demands/Environmental Factors:Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing; move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment; repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer terminal possible; occasional district-wide travel; occasional state-wide travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours; possible biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus; may be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; assist non-ambulatory students.EVALUATION: