Functional Academics Teacher

Primary Purpose:

Provide special education scholars 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 scholar ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas Special Education teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of special needs of scholars 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

Essential Job Functions:

• Collaborate with scholars, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each scholar assigned.

• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned scholars and show written evidence of preparation as required

• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of scholars.

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

• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.

• Conduct assessment of scholar learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.

• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.

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

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

• Use technology in the teaching/learning process.

• Conduct ongoing assessments of scholar achievement through formal and informal testing.

• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of scholars as stated in IEP.

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

• Be a positive role model for scholars; support the mission of school district.

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

• Manage scholar behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining scholars as necessary according to IEP.

• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of scholar behavior according to IEP.

• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of scholars.

• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect scholars, equipment, materials, and facilities.

• Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials

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

• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, scholars, parents, and community members.

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

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

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

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

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

• Maintain dependable performance and reliable and dependable attendance.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrator that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).

Equipment used:

Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Working Conditions

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress

Work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands:

Lifting (45 pounds or more)

Carrying (45 pounds or more)

Sitting

Standing

Bending/Stooping

Kneeling

Pushing/Pulling

Repetitive hand motions

Keyboarding/mouse

Speaking clearly

Hearing

Environmental Factors:

Work inside/outside

Exposure to noise

Work prolonged or irregular hours