Special Education Teacher 2026-2027

Ector County Independent School District•Odessa, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Work collaboratively with campus and district staff to provide physical education consultation, support and evaluation services to eligible special education students in a classroom setting. Provide direct instructional, consulting, and monitoring services to students in the least restrictive environment ranging from a segregated, one-on-one and small group to inclusion. Provide instruction designed to help them fulfill their full potential for intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth with appropriate learning activities. Provide experiences designed to help students fulfill their potential for intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth. Empower students to develop competencies and skills that lead to student achievement and progress. Preparing students for local, state or provincial, national, and regional competition(s) by providing athletes with comprehensive sports training.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements for subject/level assigned
Knowledge of subjects assigned
General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of Special Education Law
Knowledge/Experience working with students with disabilities
Knowledge of TTESS Appraisal System
Student teaching or approved internship, preferred

Nice To Haves

PE Certification
Sped Certification

Responsibilities

Develop and implement plans that fulfill the requirements of the district’s curriculum program assigned and show written evidence of preparation as required
Develop & monitor progress of Individual Education Plans (IEP)
Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations/modifications for differences in learning styles of students
Attend and prepare all required documentation for ARD meetings
Present the subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations
Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned
Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities
Work cooperatively with General Education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education according to guidelines established in IEP
Work with other members of the staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods in accordance with district requirements
Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and/or volunteer(s)
Employ the use of technologies in the teaching/learning process
Help students analyze and improve study methods and habits
Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required
Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the school
Be a positive role model for students.
Support the mission of the school district
Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of students
Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook
Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials relevant to the position
Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with students, parents, teachers, principals, and other staff members
Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, and community members
Maintain Confidentiality
Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly
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 classroom teachers
Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required
Attend and participate in faculty meetings, Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s), and serve on staff committees as required
Receive Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification and renew annually
Select, assess, and train Special Olympics Athletes
Recruit athletes and properly complete and submit all required medical registration materials by established deadlines
Assess each athlete to determine the level of individual skills, team skills, or both for training and competition in selected sports
Develop individualized training program for each athlete. The program shall include instruction in fundamental skills, conditioning, competition, and rules. The training program should be a minimum of 10 to 12 weeks.
Know, understand, and abide by the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules
Know and understand the sport being coached
Travel to various campuses within the district and out of town for Special Olympics events
Work extended school days for Special Olympics
Provide proper planning for each step of training and competition
Provide and maintain a safe and secure physical environment
Use acceptable and safe equipment
Ensure appropriate sport skills, instruction, and safe competition.
Match athletes according to strength, size, and ability
Continually assess each athlete for participation in appropriate activities within, not beyond, that athlete’s abilities and capabilities
Inform athletes of inherent risks associated with a specific sport
Ensure acceptable supervision and maintain a 1:4 volunteer-to-athlete ratio
Establish an emergency action plan that includes procedures for emergency medical support, postponements or cancelations, crisis communication, and incident and accident reporting
Provide accurate medical support at all times
Maintain accurate records
Other duties as assigned
Supervise assigned teacher aide(s)
Serve as mentor to student teachers