Special Education Behavior Teacher

Lubbock-Cooper ISD•Lubbock, TX

About The Position

The Special Education Behavior Teacher provides students receiving special education with learning activities and experiences that support their intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. The teacher develops or modifies curricula, prepares lessons and instructional materials suited to students’ ability levels, and works in a self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned. The position develops and implements Individual Education Plans (IEPs) through the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process; adapts instruction and curricula; assesses student learning and achievement; and supports students’ educational, personal, and behavioral needs. The teacher may provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding as specified in an IEP, and may intervene in crisis situations or physically restrain students as necessary according to their IEP. The teacher collaborates with parents, staff, classroom teachers, and other resource people; oversees instructional aides and volunteers; maintains required records; participates in meetings and professional development; and follows applicable special education requirements, district policies, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for the assignment.
Knowledge of the special needs of students in the assigned area.
Knowledge of the ARD Committee process and IEP goal-setting and implementation.
Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for students with special needs.
Effective communication skills.
Student teaching, an approved internship, or related work experience.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop IEPs through the ARD Committee process for assigned students.
Implement instructional, therapeutic, or skill-development programs and provide written evidence of preparation as required.
Assess student learning styles and conduct ongoing formal and informal assessments of student achievement.
Plan and use instructional strategies, activities, materials, and equipment suited to students’ learning styles and needs.
Present subject matter in accordance with IEP guidelines and use varied instructional techniques and media, including technology.
Work with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula and support special education students in regular classes.
Participate regularly in ARD Committee meetings and in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional media.
Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding as stated in student IEPs.
Assume assigned extracurricular responsibilities and sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
Consult district and outside resource people about students’ educational, social, medical, and personal needs.
Create and maintain classroom environments that support learning and students’ physical, social, and emotional development.
Manage student behavior and administer discipline, including crisis intervention and physical restraint when necessary according to the IEP.
Consult with classroom teachers about managing student behavior according to the IEP.
Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Plan and assign work for instructional aides and volunteers and oversee completion.
Maintain open communication through conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
Participate in staff development 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 required physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents.
Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Direct the work of instructional aides.