Special Education Teacher- iSchool University Park (Houston, TX) - ResponsiveEd

Role Mission:

ResponsiveEd Special Education teachers are responsible for the achievement and support of critical students. Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. They provide the crucial bridge between home and school for our highest need students and their families. They partner with parents, general education teachers, and administrators to develop and implement individualized education plans to meet the needs of students with disabilities and ensure compliance with all federal, state and district SPED requirements.

What You’ll Do:

• Work collaboratively with campus administration to ensure ongoing child find efforts, including but not limited to, review of general education records and requesting special education records according to specific timelines.
• Schedule and conduct Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students with disabilities within specific timelines.
• Assist in acquiring contracted service providers as needed.
• Schedule Full and Individual Evaluations/Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED) ensuring that all timeline requirements are met.
• Collaborate with general education teachers and administrators to provide special education accommodations and services to special needs learners.
• Ensure student individualized education programs (IEPs) are appropriately written and implemented.
• Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a regular basis, and that the findings are used to make special education services more effective.
• Update and send IEP Report Cards to parents at the same time that the general report cards are sent.
• Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support general education teachers in accomplishing educational goals of students receiving special education services.
• Ensure compliance with all state mandated assessments and alternative assessments, including their selection and administration.
• Assist the campus administrator with the Response to Intervention process.
• Develop and implement transition services for special education students as determined by the ARD.
• Serve as the campus resource person and trainer for all campus staff to support students with disabilities.
• Ensure that campus curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Seek assistance as needed from IDEA Coordination supervisor.
• Demonstrate support for the campus's student management policies and assist with behavior management strategies as they relate to students with disabilities.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, teachers, and administrators.
• Recommend sound policies to improve program.
• Implement ResponsiveEd’s Special Education school board policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
• Compile and maintain all reports, records, and other documents required by law and/or the Director of Special Education.
• Perform special projects, during and after normal business hours, and other duties as assigned. NOTE: After normal business hours may include, but is not limited to, Saturday Mandatory State Tutorials.

What You’ll Bring: 

• A passion for students, especially students with disabilities.
• Ability and patience to work interactively with students, especially students with disabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of and compliance with federal and state special education law.
• Working knowledge of and compliance with individualized services for students with disabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of and compliance with the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process.
• Knowledge of the development and implementation of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process.
• Knowledge of and compliance with Transition.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills to implement multiple and diverse programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Learn and implement teaching curriculum software programs and instruct students on utilization.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of students with disabilities, parents, administrative staff, and Campus Directors.
• Ability to effectively interpret policy, procedures, and student data such as diagnostic test results, state assessments scoring, transcripts, and grade point average.
• Ability to transition with district, campus, and/or department changes.
• Ability to communicate effectively with and receive guidance from supervisors
• Manage multiple priorities effectively.

Education and Experience:

• Must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-Year College or University, preferably in the area of Special Education.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate in the area of Special Education. (If alternative certified, letter of eligibility for special education certification is required)
• Additional grade level or content area certification may be required for select positions.

Compensation: 

Salaries for people entering this role are commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with our base salary schedule. This role is also eligible for various stipend opportunities and incentives. Supplemental hourly compensation is provided for after school tutoring or Saturday school. Additionally, we offer medical, dental, vision, and supplemental benefits as well as retirement plans and a generous vacation package.