OPT Education Jobs

POSITION: Special Education Teacher

EXEMPT STATUS: Exempt

NUMBER OF DAYS: According to district approved calendar

DEPARTMENT: Special Services

REPORTS TO: Principal, Special Services Supervisor

SUPERVISES: As assigned

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college or university
• Valid teaching certificate for subject/grade level assigned; Special Education certified
• Eligible for the appropriate Probationary Certificate through the TEA approved Teacher Certification

Experience:

• Student teaching or approved internship or approved Alternative Teacher Certification Program training

POSITION FUNCTION/PURPOSE

Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Essential Functions

Instructional Management

1. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
2. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
3. Develop and implement plans for the curriculum program assigned and show written evidence of preparation as required.
4. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodation for individual student differences.
5. Present the subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency, board policies, administrative regulations.
6. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media, consistent with the needs and capabilities of the student groups involved.
7. Cooperate with other members of the staff in planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives, and methods in accordance with district requirements.
8. Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher assistant(s) and/or volunteer(s).
9. Employ the use of technologies in the teaching/learning process.
10. Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
11. Monitor student progress and adjust instructional materials and strategies to provide differentiated instruction and address individual needs of the students.
12. Execute and maintain appropriate student-centered discipline techniques and effective classroom management strategies to maximize student learning and time-on-task.

Student Growth and Development

1. Assist students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.
2. Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required.
3. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
4. Assume responsibility for duties and/or extra-curricular activities as assigned and may sponsor outside activities approved by the school.
5. Present for students a positive role model that supports the mission of the school district.

School/Organization Climate

1. Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
2. Establish control in the classroom and administer discipline in accordance with board policies, administrative regulations, and students’ IEP.
3. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students.
4. Assist before, during, and after the school day in the supervision of students as assigned by the principal.
5. Promote a positive work environment and positive staff morale within the school.

School/Organization Improvement

1. Participate with other staff in building a common vision for school improvement.
2. Participate in planning and implementing activities to ensure attainment of school's mission.

Personnel Management

1. Assist in selecting/orienting new instructional staff.

Administration and Fiscal/Facilities Management

1. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect equipment, materials, and facilities.

School/Community Relations

1. Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents.
2. Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
3. Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Participate in the district professional development program.
2. Demonstrate interest and initiative in professional improvement.
3. Observe professional and ethical standards in accordance with generally accepted community standards and the Texas Education Agency code of ethics.

Policy Implementation

1. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for teachers.
2. Assume responsibility for compiling, maintaining, and filing all reports, records, and other documents required.
3. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Other Duties

1. Perform such other duties as may be assigned or as may be necessary for job effectiveness.

Qualification Requirements

Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Educational Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

Knowledge of subjects assigned

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Ability to work well with a diverse population

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made if necessary while performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; move throughout the room and/or facility; communicate verbally and electronically; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; kneel, stoop, crouch, and/or crawl; and climb or balance. Regularly required to lift or exert force of up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Regular attendance required.

Equipment used

• Telephone
• Computer and printer
• Calculator
• Copy Machine

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities. Additionally, the minimum level of education noted as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) as determined by the hiring manager.

Revision Date

11/01/2023

All MISD employees are expected to maintain an extreme degree of confidentiality by following the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for student information and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) for employee and student information.

Midland Independent School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.