Self-Contained Teacher

Houston ISD•Houston, TX

2d•$79,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Teacher, Special Education provides students with specially designed instruction based on district curriculum and aligned with each student’s individualized education program (IEP). Depending on the assignment, the teacher may teach core academic subjects or serve students with cognitive, autism-related, emotional, communication, sensory, or physical disabilities, as well as preschool-aged students with disabilities, in the least restrictive environment. The teacher develops and implements IEPs, differentiates instruction, uses instructional technology and Universal Design for Learning principles, collects and analyzes student data, and collaborates with general education staff. The role includes leading and participating in IEP meetings, maintaining IEP and other student records, supporting positive behavior, communicating with families and community members, and assisting students with personal care needs. A bachelor’s degree and an appropriate Texas Teacher Certificate are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Texas Teacher Certificate appropriate for the level and/or subject area of assignment.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, bend, climb, and remain mobile.

Responsibilities

Teach core academic subjects such as English, Reading, and Math at the elementary level; secondary resource teachers must be highly qualified in English, Math, Social Studies, or Science.
Provide inclusion support, including co-teaching, support facilitation, and content mastery; collaborate with general education teachers on accommodations, strategies, and interventions.
Teach students with cognitive disabilities in Skills for Learning and Living (SLL) settings.
Teach students with autism in Structured Learning Center (SLC) settings.
Teach students with significant emotional disabilities in Behavior Support Center (BSC) settings.
Teach students with severe cognitive, communicative, sensory, and/or physical disabilities in Preparing Students for Independence (PSI) settings.
Teach preschool-aged students identified as having a disability in Preschoolers Achieving Learning Skills (PALS) settings.
Develop and implement student IEPs using specially designed instruction aligned with curriculum and required content strategies.
Use varied instructional techniques and current technology tools, applying Universal Design for Learning principles.
Differentiate instruction for students with disabilities using a variety of instructional strategies.
Develop data-driven statements that accurately describe each student's present level of academic achievement and functional performance, using formal evaluation and classroom assessment data.
Lead and participate in IEP meetings for students on the designated caseload.
Prepare and maintain IEP documents and progress updates in a timely manner.
Plan lessons that reflect accommodations and modifications for individual differences.
Implement positive behavioral interventions and supports with discipline management procedures.
Use district web-based management systems to plan, implement, and monitor student services by collecting, analyzing, tracking, and using data.
Engage students in work that develops thinking skills.
Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher assistants.
Maintain and improve professional competence by participating in district staff development.
Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
Collaborate with general education staff to plan effectively for students with disabilities.
Maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, and community members.
Attend and participate in department meetings and committees.
Assist students with personal care needs.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.