Primary Purpose

Provide all students with appropriate learning experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth; enable students to develop competencies and skills to function as successful, productive, contributing members of our society.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Valid Texas certificate for the subject and level assigned

Special Knowledge/Skills

Positive and productive communication and interpersonal skills

Knowledge and demonstrated competency in the subject(s) assigned

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Specific Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

In depth knowledge of behavior principles and strategies to include ABA

Ability to incorporate behavior principles in positive, proactive, and instructional ways

Knowledge of district physical restraint and crisis intervention plan

Flexibility to change; innovation to meet the needs of all students

General knowledge of objective data collection and interpretation

Experience

At least one year student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional strategies to promote student growth

1. Guide the learning of students in accordance with the district’s philosophy of education toward the achievement of curriculum goals and the student’s IEP
2. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through ARD Committee process for each student assigned and through alignment to the curriculum.
3. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
4. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of assigned students.
5. Participate in ARD committees on a regular basis.
6. Align teaching and available resources to the District curriculum.

7. Offer accelerated instruction to each student who meets any of the state "at risk" criteria in order for the student to perform satisfactorily on the state assessment.

8. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency, board policies, administrative guidelines and the District curriculum.
9. Conduct ongoing assessments of student learning and use results to plan and implement instruction.
10. Work cooperatively with other teachers to modify curricula and instruction as needed for special education, 504, ELL, and GT students according to guidelines established.
11. Work cooperatively with the campus and district instructional supervisors, leaders, and department heads to improve instruction.
12. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned; sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
13. Use available technologies as appropriate teaching and learning tools.
14. Integrate the instruction of technology into subject area teaching.
15. Plan and supervise assignments of teacher aide(s) and volunteers.

Communication

1. Use positive and productive communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

2. Maintain a professional and cordial relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.

3. Adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines regarding confidentiality.

4. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with students, parents, and other staff members.

5. Respond to parent phone calls/messages in a timely manner.

6. Be a positive role model for students.

Classroom management and organization

1. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students.
2. Provide or supervise personal care and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
3. Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
4. Manage student behavior and administer discipline, including intervening in crisis situations and using least amount of physical intervention necessary to maintain safety of the student.
5. Provides for care and protection of school property and be held accountable for books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
6. Maintains accurate student accounting and grading records in compliance with local and state requirements.
7. Assists in upholding and implementing administrative regulations and board policy.
8. Manage and utilize data effectively for systemic process and program analysis.

• Account for the accuracy and verification of all student program data and reports.

• Implement data-driven decision making for improvement efforts based on best practices.

9. Manage and utilize policy effectively for maintaining systemic processes and practices.

• Account for the verification of the correct policy regarding all decisions and correspondence.

• Implement effective policy-driven decision making.

   

Professional growth and development

1. Seek and participate in professional development activities to improve instructional effectiveness thereby increasing student achievement.

2. Participate collaboratively with colleagues to reflect on one’s teaching practices.

3. Stay abreast of developments in the profession and display flexibility to change and innovation.

4. Maintain updated record(s) of all professional development activities.

5. Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies.

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

Personal growth and work habits

1. Participate as an effective team member who contributes to district, department, and content goals.

2. Submit all legal documents in a timely manner as required by Federal, State, and District.

3. Display proficient levels of technology applications.

4. Utilize time wisely for effective management of job responsibilities.

5. Meet deadlines to submit lesson plans, progress reports, grades and other documents as required by the campus/district. 

6. Maintain punctuality in daily work times, appointments, and meetings.

7. Maintain friendly customer-service-driven interactions with all stakeholders, students, teachers, administrators, and co-workers.

8. Work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure that the goals of the school/department are met.

9. Maintain a positive and professional tone in all communication (i.e. email, written, and verbal/non-verbal).

10. Perform other duties and accept other responsibilities as assigned, including attendance at applicable school graduation ceremonies and any requested school trainings, regardless of when conducted. 

Working Conditions

Mental Demands

Must maintain positive and productive verbal, non-verbal and written communication; concentration while performing duties; ability to maintain emotional control under stress; ability to work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demand/Environmental Factors

Frequent standing, stooping, bending, lifting, moving textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom materials

Term: 187 days