NORTHWEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Title: Special Education Teacher - SOAR Unit

Reports to: Campus Principal

Dept. /School: Campus Assigned                                                  

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt                                                           

Pay Grade: A15

Duty Days: 187                                                                                                              

Date Revised: 05/2024

Primary Purpose:
Provide special education students 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 student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned. Provide special education consultation and instruction to meet the needs of eligible students with disabilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Valid Texas certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments
• Semi-Annual Certification (Periodic Certification) for Single Cost Objective employees
• Ability to work effectively with school and community population
• 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
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Major Responsibilities and Duties:      

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
3. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
4. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
5. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
6. Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
7. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
8. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
9. Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
10. Use technology in teaching/learning process.
11. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
12. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
13. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
14. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.
15. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
16. Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
17. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
18. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
19. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
20. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
21. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
22. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
23. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
24. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
25. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
26. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
27. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
28. Use appropriate district approved physical safety techniques including restraint.
29. Dress and shoes appropriate to job responsibilities.
30. Other duties as assigned.

SHARS/ MAC / RMTS:
Northwest ISD participates in the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) and MAC programs which allows our district to request Medicaid reimbursement for certain health-related services. The Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee determines SHARS services.

As a special education staff member, you will be required to train and bill for SHARS reimbursements for students on your caseload. Trainings will be provided for SHARS, for RMTS (Random Moment in Time Studies), where staff are chosen randomly to answer a few questions, and for MAC (Diagnosticians and non-Personal Care Providers only). Training will be provided at the beginning of each school year as well as on an “as needed” basis for new hires.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 
N/A

Equipment Used: 
Personal computer, copier, Fax machine, calculator, printer

Working Conditions:
Able to maintain emotional control under stress. Position requires frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, keyboarding, overhead reaching, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities. Must have the ability to lift and carry 50 pounds or more; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards. 

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned, alternative methods of performing your duties, or skills that may be required.