Special Education Life Skills Teacher

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

SCHOOL YEAR 2026-2027

Position Title: High School Special Education Life Skills Teacher

Primary Purpose:
Provide students with significant disabilities at the high school level with functional
individualized instruction in a self-contained classroom. Emphasize transition services
vocational training and independent living skills to prepare students for postsecondary success
in employment community participation and adult living. Develop and implement
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) while fostering a structured supportive and engaging
learning environment that promotes independence and self-determination.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:
Bachelors degree from an accredited university
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required Special Education endorsements

Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of functional curriculum and high school TEKS including prerequisite and
alternate standards (STAAR Alternate 2)
Strong understanding of transition planning requirements
Knowledge of vocational training strategies and work-based learning models
Ability to design and implement individualized functional and community-based instruction
Skills in behavior management including positive behavior supports and crisis intervention
Experience with assistive technology and adaptive equipment
Strong communication collaboration and organizational skills

Experience:
Student teaching internship or experience working with students with significant disabilities

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies
Provide direct individualized and small-group instruction in a self-contained classroom
Develop and implement functional curriculum focused on daily living skills functional
academics social skills and communication
Embed vocational and employability skills into daily instruction (e.g. task completion time
management workplace behavior)
Design lessons aligned to real-world applications including money management budgeting
and consumer skills
Incorporate community-based instruction (CBI) to generalize skills across school and
community environments
Utilize assistive technology visual supports task analysis and structured teaching strategies

Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusion opportunities when
appropriate
Participate in ARD/IEP meetings and instructional planning

Case Management & Transition Responsibilities
Serve as case manager for assigned students receiving special education services
Develop and implement compliant IEPs with a strong emphasis on measurable postsecondary
goals (education employment independent living)
Collaborate with vocational programs workforce agencies and community partners (e.g. job
sites training programs)
Support completion of graduation requirements including alternative pathways when
applicable
Ensure all compliance timelines and documentation requirements are met

Student Growth Vocational Development and Independence
Assess student progress using formal and informal tools appropriate for functional and
vocational instruction
Monitor and document progress toward IEP and transition goals
Provide explicit instruction in job readiness skills including following directions workplace
communication and problem-solving
Teach independent living skills such as personal care transportation awareness household
tasks and self-advocacy
Support development of social skills necessary for workplace and community success
Prepare students for adult services and connect families with outside agencies when appropriate

Classroom Management and Organization
Create a structured safe and supportive classroom environment tailored to individual needs
Establish consistent routines and implement positive behavior intervention strategies
Manage student behavior including crisis intervention in accordance with IEPs and behavior
plans
Supervise and direct paraprofessionals or aides in implementing instruction vocational tasks
and community activities
Ensure student safety in classroom community and vocational settings including mobility and
medical needs

Communication and Collaboration
Maintain open supportive communication with families and caregivers regarding student
progress and transition planning

Collaborate with general education staff therapists transition specialists and vocational
coordinators
Participate in professional development and ongoing training related to transition and life skills
instruction
Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with all special education requirements

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Direct and oversee instructional aides and classroom support staff

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Frequent standing walking bending and lifting (may include lifting students or assisting with
transfers)
Assist students with mobility personal care and daily living needs (e.g. toileting feeding
hygiene)
Ability to supervise students in community and job-site environments
Maintain emotional control and patience in a structured high-support environment
Exposure to biological hazards and physical demands associated with personal care

Why Join Our District
4-Day School Week
Small School Atmosphere
Strong Community Support
Competitive Salary and Benefits
Retention Stipends

Contact:
Shelly Knight Special Education Director
Pewitt CISD
US HWY 67 West
Omaha TX 75571
Email:
Phone:

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position remains open until the applicant is officially hired.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Pewitt CISD does not discriminate on the basis of race religion color national origin sex disability.

Title IX Coordinator: Darlene Greenlee P.O. Box 1106 Omaha TX 75571 .

Required Experience:

IC