Special Education Teacher - Structured Learning Class (SLC)

Frisco ISD • Plano, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Provide students with disabilities appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them make educational progress in intellectual, communication, emotional, social, physical, and self-help skills. Develop modified curricula and instructional materials suited to each student’s ability level.

The Structured Learning Class (SLC) provides specially designed instruction for children with autism and/or other communication disorders who need support developing functional language, communication, and behavior skills. Instruction emphasizes language, communication, and behavioral needs beginning at preschool, with greater emphasis on academic support and functional routines at the elementary and middle school levels. Classrooms are highly structured and use positive behavior supports and instructional strategies aligned with Applied Behavior Analysis. Students participate in activities with nondisabled peers, with appropriate support, to generalize skills learned in the SLC classroom. Classrooms are arranged to maximize intensive specialized instruction at the prerequisite level of the academic TEKS.

The teacher collaborates with families and school staff, develops and implements instruction aligned with students’ IEPs, monitors student progress, supports student independence and self-advocacy, and maintains a safe and productive classroom. The role also includes required documentation, compliance with applicable policies, professional development, and participation in school meetings and committees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate in Special Education.
• Knowledge of the assigned academic subject.
• Demonstrated proficiency in creating, implementing, and progress-monitoring specially designed instruction.
• Ability to individualize instruction to prepare students for participation in Least Restrictive Environments (LRE) to the maximum extent possible.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Physical capability to implement student restraint as a last resort for safety.
• Physical ability to frequently stand, stoop, bend, kneel, push, pull, lift, and transfer students to and from wheelchairs, and assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.
• Ability to work with exposure to biological hazards.

Nice To Haves

• A minimum of three years of special education teaching experience is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience working with students with emotional and behavioral challenges is preferred.
• For PK positions: EC-6/PK and ESL certification.
• For elementary positions: Elementary Self Contained 1–8, or Generalist/Core EC–6 certification.
• For middle school positions: Generalist/Core 4–8, or EC–6 certification.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with parents and other staff to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through the ARD/IEP Committee process and attend ARDC meetings.
• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill students’ IEP requirements and reflect the District’s established curriculum; provide written evidence of preparation as required.
• Prepare lessons that accommodate differences in student learning styles and needs, including appropriate activities, materials, and equipment.
• Use technology, including assistive technology, to strengthen the teaching and learning process.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teaching assistants and volunteers.
• Assess student achievement on an ongoing basis through formal and informal testing.
• Serve as a positive role model and support the school district’s mission.
• Help students develop independence and self-advocacy skills.
• Assume responsibility for assigned extracurricular activities.
• Create classroom environments conducive to learning and appropriate to students’ physical, social, and emotional development.
• Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Provide positive behavioral supports in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.
• Implement student restraint as a last resort for safety when necessary.
• Maintain open communication through conferences with parents, students, related service providers, principals, and teachers.
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other documents required for District and TEA compliance.
• Participate in professional development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Stay informed about and comply with federal, state, District, and school regulations and policies related to special education services.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Share responsibility for the health, safety, and confidentiality of students and adults, which may include implementing, supporting, and documenting behavioral intervention strategies and/or providing school health, related, and personal care services.
• Perform other duties as assigned; responsibilities and assignments may be adjusted to meet District needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level