Special Education Teacher - Functional Academics (FA)

Frisco ISD•McKinney, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher in Functional Academics provides students with disabilities appropriate learning activities and experiences to support educational progress in intellectual, communication, emotional, social, physical, and self-help skills. The teacher develops modified curricula and instructional materials to address each student’s ability level. Functional Academics serves primarily students with cognitive impairments who access the general education curriculum through prerequisite skills. Each student receives an individually paced curriculum focused on reading, writing, and math, with a strong emphasis on pre-vocational skills. Instruction is designed for students requiring alternate assessment. Students may participate in activities and classes with non-disabled peers with support, while classrooms provide intensive specialized instruction on prerequisite academic TEKS. The role includes developing and implementing IEP-based instruction, assessing student achievement, supporting student independence and self-advocacy, managing a learning environment, communicating with families and colleagues, maintaining required records, and supervising assigned teaching assistants. The teacher is expected to follow applicable special education requirements and District policies and to support students’ health, safety, confidentiality, behavioral needs, and personal care as applicable.

Requirements

Valid Texas teaching certificate in Special Education.
For elementary positions: Elem 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.
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, 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

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

Responsibilities

Collaborate with parents and staff to develop Individualized Education Programs through the ARD/IEP Committee process and attend ARDC meetings.
Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill IEP requirements and reflect the District curriculum, with 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 teaching and learning.
Plan and supervise assignments for teaching assistants and volunteers.
Assess student achievement through ongoing formal and informal testing.
Serve as a positive role model and support the mission of the School District.
Help students develop independence and self-advocacy skills.
Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for students’ physical, social, and emotional development.
Take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Provide positive behavioral supports in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
Establish and maintain open communication through conferences with parents, students, related service providers, principals, and teachers.
Communicate effectively 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.
Stay informed of 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.
Supervise assigned teaching assistants.
Share responsibility for the health, safety, and confidentiality of students and adults, including implementing, supporting, and documenting behavioral intervention strategies and/or providing school health, related, and personal care services as applicable.
Implement student restraint as a last resort for safety when necessary.