2024-2025 Teacher - Special Education - Life Skills @ Collins Elementary

Primary Purpose

Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.

Develop and implement individualized plans for specially designed instruction for students to develop competencies and skills to maximize opportunities, independent living, economic self-sufficiency and full participation in society.

Qualifications :

Education / Certification :

• Texas certification standards required for assignment as set by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)
• ESL Certification preferred or ESL Certification required within two years of employment beginning with teachers hired in -11 school year
• Meet NCLB Highly Qualified criteria as required by assignment

Special Knowledge / Skills / Abilities :

• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction and subject matter in assigned position
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of specially designed instruction to address student needs related to their disability conditions
• Proficient in use of digital tools including Google Suite, Microsoft ARD / IEP Software and Learning Management Systems

Experience :

• Direct work experience with individuals with disabilities preferred
• Experience working with challenging behaviors preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties :

• Serve a diverse population of students who may be participating in state / federal programs as well as general education
• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members.
• Abide by the Alief ISD .
• Maintain an acceptable attendance rate 94% annually (excluding approved leaves and emergencies).
• Confer with and foster professional relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators on a regular basis per building and district guidelines.
• Plan and participate in all meetings and provide appropriate documentation for students regarding IEP development, reviews, progress, grades, dismissals, conferences, etc.
• Comply with state and federal laws, district policies, rules, regulations and administrative directives as they exist or may hereafter be amended.

Instructional Strategies

Plan and teach a program of study in accordance with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), district mandates and curricula, and individual education plan.

Multiple preparations (courses) may be required.

Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), district’s curriculum program, and IEP.

Shows written evidence of preparation as required. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, equipment, and technology that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students.

• Implement instructional and linguistic modifications and / or accommodations per Admissions / Review / Dismissal (ARD) committees and Language Proficiency Assessment (LPAC) committees.
• Work cooperatively with general education teachers to support special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Determine instructional goals, objectives, and specially designed instruction according to the student’s needs related to their disability.
• Assess the on-going accomplishments and needs of students; maintains appropriate records; provide immediate feedback and progress reports on a regular basis per building and district guidelines.

Administer state assessment as appropriate to student population.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create an inviting, risk free, supportive, and warm learning environment appropriate to the developmental level and interests of students.
• Implement appropriate and effective behavior management systems in alignment with student behavior intervention plans, building and district policies and / or rules governing student conduct.
• Manage student behavior in accordance with behavior intervention plans, Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in professional development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Comply with state, district, and federal laws; district and campus regulations and policies for classroom teachers as they exist or may hereafter be amended.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serves on staff committees as required.

Other

• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Maintain an appropriate level of technology competence to meet the current and future needs of Alief.
• Implement alternative methods of instruction as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS).

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors :

Tools / Equipment Used : Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture : Standing, prolonged sitting, occasional kneeling / squatting, bending / stooping, pushing pulling, and twisting

Motion : Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching; may also require climbing stairs and reaching over head.

May be required to use therapeutic holds in the case of an emergency (only after appropriate training.)

Lifting : Moderate lifting and carrying (up to 30 pounds); May require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (25-60 pounds)

Environment : May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent district-wide travel; all campuses are temperature controlled with hard surface floors

Mental Demands : Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The full job description for this position is included within this job posting. By applying for this position you are accepting the responsibilities and duties of this position as they are listed in the job description.

Hiring administrators review applications, interview, and recommend for hire.

Probationary contract days plus 4 days of Alief U professional development for a teacher new to the district

• Salary Schedule
• Salary Schedule is pending school board approval

Salary is based on working days; working less days is less salary

Lifeskills, TLC, ECSE / PPCD, 18+ : $1, Stipend

Asperger, Lead Itinerant VI Teacher : $2, Stipend

Structured, DC, REACH / OHI / AU, VI / O&M, STRIDE : $3, Stipend

Autism Specialist, Behavior Specialist : $4, Stipend

Internal employees must