Teacher, Special Education Self Contained - McAllen Independent School District

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To provide special education students with appropriate curriculum based learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for academic, emotional, physical and social growth, enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society, and to support all students with special needs in obtaining an individualized and appropriate education.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s Degree, required

Texas Teaching Certificate, with required endorsements for subject/level assigned or other permits as approved by state, required

ESL Certification, required (only for English Language Arts positions)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Communicate effectively (verbal and written); utilize effective interpersonal skills; understand needs and programs for students with disabilities; demonstrate knowledge of subjects assigned; exhibit general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; basic computer skills, and other requirements deemed appropriate for the position, preferred

Experience:

One (1) year of student teaching or approved internship, preferred

Working Days:  187

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. DevelopIEPs for students with special needseligible for special education,and keepinformed about current legislation, educational developments,literatureand research in the field of education/assigned subject byparticipatingin state and national professional organizations; attendappropriate conferencesand staff development sessions;maintainprofessional growth in the core knowledge area of competency. 
2. Develop instructional plans for the curriculum program assigned andprovidewritten evidence of program implementationand student progress. 
3. Submitwritten requests to the Coordinator of Special Education for special materials forstudents with individualizedplansorunique needs. 
4. Workcooperatively with general education teachers and/or ARDcommittee toaccommodate /modifycurricula as needed for students with special needsestablishedby Individual Educational Plans.  
5. Present the knowledge and skills of the subject matter according to guidelinesestablishedby the Texas Education Agency, Board policies and administrative regulations. 
6. Plan, prepare and execute lessons, instructional strategies, activities,materialsand equipment that reflect accommodationsfor individual needs of students. 
7. Cooperate with other members of the staff in planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives and methods to address the needs of special populations. 

8.  Interpret the special education services offered by the district for students with special needs to parents, staff, and the community. 

9. Monitor and assess student achievement through informal and formal testing procedures. 

10. Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical and responsible and is a positive role model for students. 

11. Create a learning environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social and emotional development of students and takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities. 

12. Manage student behavior adhering to the District Discipline Management Plan in accordance with Board policies, administrative regulations and Individual Education Plans. 

13. Assist in the selection of textbooks, supplies, equipment, instructional materials and technology resources. 

14. Establish open lines of communication and maintain a professional relationship with students, parents, colleagues and community members.

15. Demonstrate interest and initiative in personal and professional improvement and participate in the campus and district staff development program. 

16. Keepinformed in,andcomplywithfederal, state, district and campus regulations and policies for classroom teachers; compile,maintainand file all reports, records and other documents asrequired. 

17. ConductARD Committee meetings for students assigned.

18. Plan, supervise and evaluate purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and/or volunteer(s). 

19. Utilize technology in planning,organizingand implementing the teacher/learning process and other classroom managerial functions. 

20. Assiststudents in analyzing and understanding the learning process so that studentsmay become life-long learners. 

21. Monitor and assess student achievement through informal and formal testing procedures. 

22. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned and cooperate with the sponsorship for activities approved by the School. 

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

24. Maintain discretion and confidentiality. 

25. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards. 

26. Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator). 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

None  

EQUIPMENT USED: 

Computer, copier, multimedia equipment and other classroom or office machines. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Mental Demands: 

Maintain emotional control under stress; ability to instruct 

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 

Assistin restraining students in crisis situations; frequent prolonged, irregular hours and occasional evening meetings; occasional lifting or moving up to 45 pounds and over;monitorstudents for a prolongedperiod of time;monitormulti-tasks/projects; meet deadlines, develop effective relationship with students, and parents.