Special Education Teacher - Life Skills

Sunnyvale Independent School District•Sunnyvale, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher provides special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to support their intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. The teacher develops or modifies curricula and prepares lessons and instructional materials matched to student ability levels. The role may be performed in a self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned. The position is at Sunnyvale High School for the 2026–2027 school year, with a 10-month work year, and reports to the Principal and Director of Special Education. The teacher collaborates with students, families, and staff to develop and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) through the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process. The role includes instruction and assessment, adapting curricula and strategies to individual needs, supporting students’ personal care where specified in IEPs, managing classroom behavior and safety, and coordinating with families, colleagues, and other resources. The teacher also directs instructional aides and maintains required records and compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for the assignment (Special Education, Core Subjects, ESL Supplemental).
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.
Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
Ability to perform the stated physical demands, which may include prolonged standing; frequent kneeling, squatting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, twisting, and walking; regular heavy lifting of 45 pounds or more; positioning students with physical disabilities; physical restraint; assisting nonambulatory students; and moving adaptive and classroom equipment.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop each assigned student's IEP through the ARD Committee process.
Implement instructional, therapeutic, or skill-development programs and document preparation as required.
Assess students' learning styles and plan appropriate instructional strategies, activities, materials, and equipment.
Present subject matter according to IEP guidelines, using varied instructional techniques and media, including technology.
Work with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula and assist students in regular classes with assignments.
Participate regularly in ARD Committee meetings and in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional media.
Assess student achievement through ongoing formal and informal testing.
Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding as stated in students' IEPs.
Assume assigned extracurricular responsibilities and sponsor activities approved by the campus principal.
Consult district and outside resources about students' educational, social, medical, and personal needs.
Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and students' physical, social, and emotional development.
Manage student behavior and administer discipline, including crisis intervention and physical restraint as necessary according to IEPs.
Consult classroom teachers about managing student behavior according to IEPs.
Take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Plan and assign work to teacher aides and volunteers and oversee its 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.
May serve on a district or campus threat assessment and safe and supportive schools team.
Direct the work of instructional aides.