Teacher - Special Education Life Skills (2026-2027)

Keller ISD•Fort Worth, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences intended to support their intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and instructional materials suited to students’ ability levels. The teacher may work in a self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned. The role includes supporting student achievement, delivering program services, communicating across teams, and contributing to District goals and expectations. The teacher develops and implements Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), delivers academic and adaptive-skills instruction, assesses student learning and progress, and adapts instruction to individual needs. The role involves participating in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings; collaborating with families and school staff; supporting students in general education settings; and providing or supervising personal care specified in students’ IEPs. The teacher manages the classroom and student behavior, maintains required records, communicates with the school community, and complies with applicable laws, policies, safety procedures, and professional standards. The position directs the work of Instructional Aides. It is performed on-site at an assigned school or building, with no remote work. Physical demands include frequent movement and varied postures, assisting and positioning students, physical intervention when needed, and regular heavy lifting of 45 pounds or more. The work may involve biological hazards, loud or stressful environments, frequent interruptions, emergency response, and prolonged or irregular hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Valid Texas Teaching Certificate with required Special Education endorsements for the assigned subject and level.
Student teaching, an approved internship, or related work experience.
Knowledge of the assigned core academic subject, curriculum, and instruction.
Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior.
Knowledge of special education laws and regulations, including IDEA and the IEP process.
Knowledge of Behavior Intervention Plans and positive behavior support strategies.
Knowledge of differentiated instruction, multisensory teaching, and individualized learning plans.
Familiarity with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and emotional disturbances.
Ability to conduct formal and informal assessments, track student progress, and adapt instruction and teaching methods to student needs.
Ability to collaborate effectively with general education teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple IEPs, lesson plans, and classroom activities efficiently.
Patience and compassion to create a supportive classroom environment.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including regular heavy lifting of 45 pounds or more and assisting and positioning students.
Ability to respond calmly and promptly to emergencies and maintain emotional control under stress.

Nice To Haves

Valid Texas Teacher Certificate in English as a Second Language; preferred and required for contract renewal.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop an IEP for each assigned student through the ARD Committee process.
Implement instructional, therapeutic, and skill-development programs and provide written evidence of preparation as required.
Teach academic and adaptive skills using strategies suited to students’ learning styles and disabilities.
Assess student learning styles and select appropriate instructional strategies, activities, materials, and equipment.
Present subject matter according to IEP guidelines, using varied instructional techniques, media, and technology.
Work with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula and assist special education students with assignments in regular classes.
Participate regularly in ARD Committee meetings and in selecting instructional materials, equipment, and media.
Assess student achievement on an ongoing basis through formal and informal testing.
Assume assigned extracurricular responsibilities and sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
Provide or supervise personal care specified in students’ IEPs, including diapering, medical care, and feeding.
Create and maintain a classroom environment that supports learning and students’ physical, social, and emotional development.
Consult with classroom teachers on behavior management according to student IEPs and manage behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
Take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Compile, maintain, file, and secure required reports, records, and other documents, including physical and computerized records.
Establish and maintain professional, open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members.
Participate in staff development, faculty meetings, and required staff committees.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable federal, state, District, and school rules, policies, and directives.
Pursue professional development for self and assigned staff, aligning activities with District goals, initiatives, and current professional research.
Follow the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators and District safety and emergency procedures.
Direct the work of Instructional Aides.
Perform other related duties as assigned.