Special Education Teacher jobs in Abilene, TX

POSITION TITLE: Teacher -INspire

EXEMPTION STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Principal

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  As assigned per contract, 2023-2024 school year

Primary Purpose: 

Provide for the social and emotional needs (primary), learning, and physical needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting and/or general education setting.  Implement classroom programs for behavior management (primary), learning, and self-help.  Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences to help fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.  Supervise instructional aides in the classroom.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

      Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university

      Valid Texas teaching certificate with endorsements or required training for subject/level assigned

      Core Subjects EC-6 Certification

      Special Education EC-12 Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills

      Knowledge of core academic subject assigned

      General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

      Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

      Strong organizational, communication (verbal and written), and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Clinical teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the district curriculum and show written evidence of preparation as required. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles.
• Teach the TEKS/SE as set by the Texas Education Agency and district curriculum, and present the curriculum in accordance with guidelines, policy, and regulations.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques consistent with the needs and capabilities of students and incorporate technology in the teaching and learning process
• Collaborate with other staff in planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives, and methods in accordance with district requirements.
• Analyze and disaggregate data to assist in meeting the social, behavioral, and academic needs of students.
• Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for instructional aides and/or volunteers.

Student Growth and Development 

• Assist students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.
• Assure student success as determined by the state and district curriculum and assessments.
• Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required.
• Learn and adapt to each student’s special academic, medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and assist students according to individual needs for instruction; and other needs as presented by the ARD committee.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a learning environment that is appropriate to students’ maturity and interests.
• Manage student behavior in accordance with policies and the Student Code of Conduct, including intervening in crisis situations and restraining dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, material, and facilities.
• Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required in a timely manner.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Communication

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication and maintain a professional relationship with students, parents, colleagues, supervisors, and community members.            
• Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Adhere to the district organizational chart in communication with all constituents.
• Present for students a positive role model that supports the mission of the district and demonstrates behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible as set out in the Educator Code of Ethics.

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in professional learning activities to improve job-related skills and demonstrate interest and initiative in professional improvement.
• Keep informed of and comply with legal and local policies, regulations and procedures.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and serve on committees as assigned.
• Complete appropriate professional learning necessary to gain skills and competencies necessary to effectively prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges which include de-escalation techniques and proper restraint techniques to ensure student and staff safety.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environment Factors

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard classroom equipment, computer, peripherals, electronic devices
• Posture: Prolonged sitting/standing, frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking; frequent repetitive hand motions, keyboarding, use of a mouse, wrist flexion/extension
• Lifting: Lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds without assistance, 30-55 pounds with assistance, and more than 55 pounds with appropriate assistance
• Environment: Work inside and outside; regular exposure to noise; occasional exposure to contagious diseases
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruption; work prolonged or irregular hours