PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The special education teacher participates as a member of the district instructional staff in planning for teaching, motivating students and developing classroom climate, interacting with pupils and evaluating pupils. Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to match student ability levels.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Certification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with appropriate certification for position
• Valid Texas Teaching Certificate with required endorsements for subject and level assigned

• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

 
Special Knowledge/Skills

•  Knowledge of subject(s) to which assigned
•  Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area
•  Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process nd Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
•  Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs
•  Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
•  Ability to instruct students and manage student behavior
•  Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience

•  Student teaching or approved internship

 
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

• Plans for long and short range objectives for assigned courses     
• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned
• Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned
• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Develops lesson plans with the appropriate Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
• Collects and uses a variety of information to guide the growth and development of individual students
• Maximizes amount of time available for instruction
• Demonstrates effective teaching methods and selects appropriate teaching materials using a variety of activities to develop student interest and performance
• Establishes standards for individual pupils in terms of ability levels
• Creates a classroom climate conducive to pupil intellectual, social, emotional and moral development
• Manages pupil behavior and activities to allow for learning
• Communicates effectively with students
• Evaluates and provides feedback on pupil performance continuously by utilizing a variety of sources to ensure mastery of the essential elements
• Teaches for cognitive, affective, and/or psychomotor learning and transfer
• Maintains accurate student accounting records and other reports in compliance with local and state requirements
• Participates in in-service workshops
• Participates in extracurricular activities as assigned
• Plans for and engages in professional development
• Interacts and communicates effectively with parents and school staff
• Participates in planning, presentation, and evaluation of individual student needs
• Assesses each referred student using a criterion reference test prior to the Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee meeting, and updates each assessment annually
• Schedules for instruction all pupils assigned according to the student’s individual educational plan
• Follows the individual educational plan choosing methods and materials for instruction
• Holds frequent conferences with each student’s general education teachers to ensure common objectives for instruction and methods of behavior management
• Supplies the general education teacher with special workbooks or other special materials required to ensure the student’s progress
• Assists the general education teacher in modifying the program in the general education classroom to enable the student’s progress
• Updates the goals and objectives for each enrolled student semi-annually
• Participates in ARD committee meetings    
• Acts as liaison with JISD Special Education administration
• Supplies the general education teacher with special workbooks or other special materials required to ensure the student’s progress in the general education classroom, as needed to be determined by student needs and IEP
• Assists the general education teacher in modifying the program in the general education classroom to enable the student’s progress
• Schedules parent conferences and completes a parent conference report form after each conference, noting items discussed, recommendations, and parent comments
• Maintain a consistent professional demeanor and appearance
• Ensure compliance with the Texas Educator’s Code of Ethics       
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job

 
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervision and evaluation of District personnel is not a requirement of the position; however, the supervision of students is required.
 
Equipment Used:

• Office equipment – personal computer, printer, calculator, multi-line telephone, software programs and peripherals, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.
• Communication equipment – radio communication equipment, cellular telephone
• Video monitoring equipment

 
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands:

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work with frequent interruptions

 
Physical Demands:

• Frequent: Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs and/or ramps, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing, speaking clearly, visual acuity, distinguishing colors, driving, traveling.
• Occasional: Lifting, moderate, 15-44 pounds; carrying, moderate, 15-44 pounds

 
Environmental Factors:

• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination, vibration
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces, work alone, work prolonged or irregular hours.

*Attention Retirees: Judson ISD will offer employment to any retiree, for SPED and Bilingual positions, who has been retired for at least one year and meets the District and TRS qualifications. The District will cover the 16% TRS surcharge and the employee would be eligible for incentives and stipends offered in the approved compensation plan. 

Nondiscrimination Statement:

The Judson School District considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital or veteran status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.