Special Education Teacher - Functional Academics (FA)

Frisco ISD•McKinney, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher in the Functional Academics (FA) program provides students with disabilities appropriate learning activities and experiences to support progress in intellectual, communication, emotional, social, physical, and self-help skills. The teacher develops modified curricula and instructional materials appropriate to each student’s ability level. The FA setting primarily serves students with cognitive impairments who access the general education curriculum through prerequisite skills. Each student follows an individually paced curriculum focused on reading, writing, and math, with strong emphasis on pre-vocational skills. Instruction is designed for students requiring alternate assessment, and students may participate in activities and classes with non-disabled peers with support. Classrooms provide intensive specialized instruction on prerequisite academic TEKS. The teacher develops and implements IEP-aligned instruction, assesses student progress, supports student independence and self-advocacy, maintains a safe and supportive classroom, communicates with families and colleagues, and completes required records and compliance activities. The position supervises assigned teaching assistants and may include other duties as assigned. The work year is 184 days.

Requirements

Valid Texas teaching certificate in Special Education.
For elementary positions: Elementary Self Contained 1–8, or Generalist/Core EC–6 certification.
For middle/high positions: Generalist/Core 4–8, or EC–6 certification.
Demonstrated proficiency in creating, implementing, and progress-monitoring specially designed instruction.
Ability to individualize instruction to prepare students for participation in less restrictive environments 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 assume shared responsibility for student and adult health, safety, and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience working with students with cognitive impairments or developmental delays.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with parents and staff to develop Individualized Education Programs through the ARD/IEP Committee process, including attending ARDC meetings.
Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill students’ IEP requirements and reflect the District curriculum, with written preparation as required.
Prepare lessons with accommodations for different student learning styles and needs, including appropriate activities, materials, and equipment.
Use technology, including assistive technology, to strengthen teaching and learning.
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 a classroom environment 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.
Be physically capable of implementing student restraint as a last resort for safety.
Maintain open communication through conferences with parents, students, related service providers, principals, and teachers.
Use effective verbal and written communication with students, parents, and colleagues, and 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 to improve job-related skills.
Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, District, and school rules and policies related to special education services.
Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
Supervise assigned teaching assistant(s).
Share responsibility for the health, safety, and confidentiality of students and adults, which may include implementing, supporting, and documenting behavioral intervention strategies and providing school health, related, or personal care services.
Perform other duties as assigned; responsibilities and assignments may be adjusted to meet District needs.