SpEd Teacher - Essential Academics (EA)

Comal ISD•New Braunfels, TX

About The Position

Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to support their intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and instructional materials suited to students’ ability levels. Work in a self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned. The teacher collaborates on and implements student IEPs, assesses student learning and achievement, supports students in regular classes, manages classroom behavior, and communicates with families and colleagues. Duties also include providing or supervising personal, medical, and feeding care as specified in IEPs, maintaining required records, participating in professional development and meetings, and complying with applicable special education regulations and district policies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments.
Obtain ESL Certification within one year of employment.
Knowledge of the special needs of students in the assigned area.
Knowledge of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and the Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal-setting and implementation process.
General knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
At least one year of student teaching or an approved internship.

Nice To Haves

Teaching certification held in multiple areas is preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop an IEP for each assigned student through the ARD Committee process.
Implement instructional, therapeutic, or skill-development programs and maintain written evidence of preparation as required.
Plan and use instructional strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect assigned students’ learning styles and needs.
Work with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula and assist special education students with assignments in regular classes.
Participate regularly in ARD Committee meetings.
Assess students’ learning styles and use the results to plan instruction.
Present subject matter according to IEP guidelines and use varied instructional techniques and media to meet students’ needs and capabilities.
Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aides and volunteers.
Use technology in the teaching and learning process.
Assess student achievement on an ongoing basis through formal and informal testing.
Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding as stated in students’ IEPs.
Assume responsibility for assigned extracurricular activities and sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
Serve as a positive role model and support the school district’s mission.
Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for students’ physical, social, and emotional development.
Manage student behavior and administer discipline, including intervening in crises and physically restraining students as necessary according to the IEP.
Consult with classroom teachers regarding student behavior management according to IEPs.
Consult district and outside resource personnel regarding students’ educational, social, medical, and personal needs.
Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Assist in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
Maintain open communication through conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and community members, and communicate information accurately and clearly.
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.
Maintain district records properly, follow district records-maintenance policies, and learn the department records-retention schedule.
Perform other duties as assigned.