Position Title: Special Education Teacher
Location: Sweet Home Independent School District
Length of Work Year: 10 Months

Position Summary
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 match student ability levels. Serve as the case manager for our special education students. Work in team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

What We Value
• Relationships First – We build trust and connection with students and families
• High Expectations – We believe all students can achieve at high levels
• Strong Culture – We foster accountability, integrity, and respect
• Student-Centered Focus – Every decision is made with students in mind

Position Requirement
Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment
Experience Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience
Experience in a PK-8 or rural school setting preferred

Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Strategies
• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis as the case manager

Student Growth and Development
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

Classroom Management and Organization
• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.

Other
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• May serve on a district or campus threat assessment and safe and supportive schools team.
• Support and embody the mission and vision of Sweet Home ISD.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors:
• Tools/Equipment Used: School computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment
• Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking
• Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist nonambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

Application Procedures
District Employees: Submit letter requesting transfer/reassignment by deadline

Outside Applicants: Submit application, letter of interest, resume, and any relevant certificates or transcripts to dmeaux@sweethomeisd.org or submit in person to the Sweet Home ISD Main Office

Applications can be picked up in the Sweet Home ISD Main Office or at sweethomeisd.org.

Application Deadline Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.