Brenham Independent School District - Job Description

Job Title/Position:

Special Education Teacher

Department/School:

Assigned Campus

Pay Information:

Teacher Compensation Plan
Days: 187

Supervised By:

Campus Principal

FLSA:

Exempt

Date Revised:

April 2016

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, department, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Qualifications (Experience/Education/Certification):

Bachelor's degree from accredited university and valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments.

One year student teaching or approved internship.

Major Responsibilities:

Instructional Strategies

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• 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.
• 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.
• Work cooperatively with the classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.

Student Growth and Development

• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.

Other

• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical, and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, and local laws, guidelines and procedures.

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

Skill in effectively managing a classroom and student behavior.

Skill in communicating effectively with others.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct the work of instructional aide(s).

Working Conditions (Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Demands):

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment.

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling,squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Frequent walking.

Lifting: May require heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours.

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards.

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress.

The foregoing statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities required. The district shall not fail or refuse to hire or discharge any individual, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of the individual's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Nor shall the district limit, segregate, or classify its employees or applicants for employment in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive an individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status as an employee because of the individual's race, color, religion, sex or national origin.