OUR MISSION

Our mission is to prepare college and career-ready students for life-long success.

OUR VISION

We are a premier district of choice that meets the diverse needs of all students by creating an inclusive community that fosters a strong sense of self-worth.

DISTRICT CULTURE

Southwest Public Schools believes in promoting a culture that embodies and fosters a collaborative approach to learning. Staff relationships are collegial, collaborative, and productive, and all staff members are held to high professional standards. Mistakes are not seen as failures, but as opportunities to learn and grow for both students and educators.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Teacher, Special Education provides students with specially designed instruction that is based on district curriculum and is aligned with the student’s individualized education program (IEP). 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Plan a program of study that adheres to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.
• Teaches core academic subject areas such as English, Reading, and Math at the elementary level. Secondary resource teachers must be highly qualified in English, Math, Social Studies, or Science. In addition, these teachers will also provide Inclusion (Co-teach, Support Facilitation, Content Mastery) support; will plan and work collaboratively with general education teachers to provide accommodations to meet specific learning needs of students; provide strategies and interventions that address specific skill deficits; and provide students with disabilities opportunities to receive rigorous academic instruction with teachers who are experts in both content and pedagogy.
• Implements the student’s IEP utilizing specially designed instruction that is aligned with the curriculum and required content strategies.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques incorporating current technology tools applying the principles of Universal Design for Learning to facilitate individual student learning. Differentiates instruction for students with disabilities by employing a variety of instructional strategies.
• Develops data driven statements that accurately reflect each student's present level of academic achievement and functional performance based on formal evaluation and classroom-based assessment data.
• Participates in IEP meetings for students assigned to designated caseload.
• Plans lessons that reflect accommodations and modifications for individual differences.
• Implements positive behavioral interventions and supports discipline management procedures.
• Utilizes the district’s systems to plan, implement, and monitor services for individual students by collecting, analyzing, tracking, and using specific data.
• Engages students in work that develops thinking skills.
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher assistants.
• Maintains and improves professional competence by participating in district staff development.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Collaborates with general education staff to plan effectively for students with disabilities.
• Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students, parents, and community members.
• Attends and participates in department meetings and committees.
• Assists students with personal care needs.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• Participates in professional learning communities with other teachers, and staff in addressing the strengths and needs of students with disabilities. Also, provides guidance about the planning and implementation of research-based strategies and supports to ensure the academic success of emergent bilingual students.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree
• Special Education Texas Teaching Certificate

OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Maintain regular attendance.
• Ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into focus; judge distance (close and distant); reach with arms extended and use hands to manipulate the keyboard, smart board and other office/classroom technology.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds, including but not limited to: books, paper and instructional/office materials/supplies.
• This position requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling and/or the ability to be mobile.
• Ability to travel throughout the district and city as needed by means of personal/private or public transportation in compliance with the state’s department of motor vehicle and/or public transportation laws.

EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to build and sustain positive, collaborative relationships both internally and externally.
• Ability to plan and present information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to facilitate various size groups using facilitative leadership skills.
• Skills in written and oral communication.
• Skills in planning and organization.
• Knowledge of current trends, methods, research, and technology in area of responsibility.
• In-depth knowledge of assigned program and service area.
• Ability to collect, analyze and interpret data.

 The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

This description describes the general responsibilities and requirements for the stated position and in no way is an exhaustive list. Southwest Public Schools maintains the right to assign or reassign responsibilities to this position at any time.