Special Education Teacher

Job Title:Special Education Teacher

Wage/Hour Status:Exempt

Reports to:Principal

Department: As Assigned

Position Summary:

The Special Education Teacher will ensure that the schools special education (SPED) program provides necessary services for students with disabilities. Work with parents general education teachers and administrators to develop and implement individualized education plans to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Ensure compliance with all federal state and district SPED requirements.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Must have a Bachelors degree from an accredited four-year College or University preferably in the area of Special Education.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate in the area of Special Education.
• Additional grade level or content area certification may be required for select positions.
• Special Education teaching experience in a Public School is (preferred).

Required Knowledge Skills Abilities (KSAs) and Dispositions:

• A passion for students especially students with disabilities.
• Ability and patience to work interactively with students especially students with disabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of and compliance with federal and state special education law.
• Working knowledge of and compliance with individualized services for students with disabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of and compliance with the Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process.
• Knowledge of the development and implementation of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process.
• Knowledge of and compliance with Transition.
• Strong organizational communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills to implement multiple and diverse programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Learn and implement teaching curriculum software programs and instruct students on utilization.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of students with disabilities parents administrative staff and Campus Directors.
• Ability to effectively interpret policy procedures and student data such as diagnostic test results state assessments scoring transcripts and grade point average.
• Ability to transition with district campus and/or department changes.
• Ability to communicate effectively with and receive guidance from supervisors
• Manage multiple priorities effectively.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Work collaboratively with campus administration to ensure ongoing child find efforts including but not limited to review of general education records and requesting special education records according to specific timelines.
• Schedule and conduct Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students with disabilities within specific timelines.
• Assist in acquiring contracted service providers as needed.
• Schedule Full and Individual Evaluations/Review of Exiting Evaluation Data (REED) ensuring that all timeline requirements are met.
• Collaborate with general education teachers and administrators to provide special education accommodations and services to special needs learners.
• Ensure student individualized education programs (IEPs) are appropriately written and implemented.
• Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a regular basis and that the findings are used to make special education services more effective.
• Update and send IEP Report Cards to parents at the same time that the general report cards are sent.
• Plan the necessary time resources and materials to support general education teachers in accomplishing educational goals of students receiving special education services.
• Ensure compliance with all state mandated assessments and alternative assessments including their selection and administration.
• Assist the campus administrator with the Response to Intervention process.
• Develop and implement transition services for special education students as determined by the ARD.
• Serve as the campus resource person and trainer for all campus staff to support students with disabilities.
• Ensure that campus curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Seek assistance as needed from the Director of Student Services.
• Demonstrate support for the campuss student management policies and assist with behavior management strategies as they relate to students with disabilities.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents students teachers and administrators.
• Recommend sound policies to improve program.
• Implement Heritage Academy Charter Schools Inc. (HACS) Special Education school board policies procedures and operational guidelines.
• Compile and maintain all reports records and other documents required by law and/or the Director of Special Education.
• Perform special projects during and after normal business hours and other duties as assigned. NOTE: After normal business hours may include but is not limited to Saturday Mandatory State Tutorials.

Other Responsibilities and Duties:

• Master HACS Curriculum in order to assist the students in mastering the grade level curriculum.
• Read and comply with the HACS Procedures Manual Student Handbook Student Code of Conduct and the Employee Handbook.
• Perform special projects during and after normal business hours and other duties as assigned. NOTE: After normal business hours may include but is not limited to Saturday Mandatory State Tutorials.

Equipment Used:

All equipment required to perform duties and tasks were previously described.