Life Skills Teacher

Primary Purpose:Provide students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potentialfor intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and preparelessons 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 universityValid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignmentSpecial Knowledge/Skills:Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned areaKnowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual EducationPlan (IEP) goal setting process and implementationKnowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needsEffective communication skillsExperience:Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experienceMajor Responsibilities and Duties:Instructional Strategies1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARDCommittee process for each student assigned.2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and showwritten evidence of preparation as required.3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learningstrategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles andneeds of students assigned.4. Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP. Employ a variety ofinstructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of eachstudent assigned5. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist specialeducation 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 Development8. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.9. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.10. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved bycampus principal.11. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needsof students.Classroom Management and Organization12. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, andemotional development of students.13. Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations andphysically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.14. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.15. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, andfacilities.16. Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.Other17. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students,principals, and teachers.18. Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.19. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.20. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies forspecial education teachers.21. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documentsrequired.22. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.23. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.Supervisory Responsibilities:Direct the work of instructional aide(s).Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipmentPosture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twistingMotion: Frequent walkingLifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physicaldisabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist nonambulatory students, and lift and moveadaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hoursEnvironment: Exposure to biological hazardsMental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stressThis 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.