Secondary Special Education Teacher - Wichita Falls Independent School District

Job Title:                     Special Education Teacher

Reports to:                  Principal

Dept. /School:             Assigned Campus

Wage/Hour Status:      Exempt

Pay Grade:                  Teacher Salary Schedule

Date Revised:              10/22/18

Primary Purpose:

Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.  Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels.  Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments

Requires both a Special Education and Elementary Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Experience

At least one year of student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.

1. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required

1. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.

1. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.

1. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.

1. Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.

1. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.

1. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.

1. Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).

1. Use technology in teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.

1. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.

1. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.

1. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.

1. Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.

1. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.

1. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

1. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

1. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials

Communication

1. Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.

1. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.

1. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Other

1. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.

1. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.

1. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.

1. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

1. Regular Attendance

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.  Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment.  May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposed to biological hazards.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Applicants for all positions are considered without regard to race, color, sex, (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status.  Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminating employment practice.

The district Title IX Coordinator is Dayna Hardaway, Director of HR, 1104 Broad St., Wichita Falls, TX 76307 940-235-1029

Questions regarding posted positions should be addressed to human resources 940-235-1012.