PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To provide special education students with appropriate curriculum based learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for academic, emotional, physical and social growth, enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society, and to support all students with special needs in obtaining an individualized and appropriate education.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s Degree, required

Texas Teaching Certificate, with required endorsements for subject/level assigned or other permits as approved by state, required

ESL Certification, required (only for English Language Arts positions)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Communicate effectively (verbal and written); utilize effective interpersonal skills; understand needs and programs for students with disabilities; demonstrate knowledge of subjects assigned; exhibit general knowledge of curriculum and instruction; basic computer skills, and other requirements deemed appropriate for the position, preferred

Experience:

One (1) year of student teaching or approved internship, preferred

Working Days:  187

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Develop IEPs for students with special needs eligible for special education, and keep informed about current legislation, educational developments, literature and research in the field of education/assigned subject by participating in state and national professional organizations; attend appropriate conferences and staff development sessions; maintain professional growth in the core knowledge area of competency. 
2. Develop instructional plans for the curriculum program assigned and provide written evidence of program implementation and student progress. 
3. Submit written requests to the Coordinator of Special Education for special materials for students with individualized plans or unique needs. 
4. Work cooperatively with general education teachers and/or ARD committee to accommodate / modify curricula as needed for students with special needs established by Individual Educational Plans.  
5. Present the knowledge and skills of the subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency, Board policies and administrative regulations. 
6. Plan, prepare and execute lessons, instructional strategies, activities, materials and equipment that reflect accommodations for individual needs of students. 
7. Cooperate with other members of the staff in planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives and methods to address the needs of special populations. 

8.  Interpret the special education services offered by the district for students with special needs to parents, staff, and the community. 

9. Monitor and assess student achievement through informal and formal testing procedures. 

10. Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical and responsible and is a positive role model for students. 

11. Create a learning environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social and emotional development of students and takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities. 

12. Manage student behavior adhering to the District Discipline Management Plan in accordance with Board policies, administrative regulations and Individual Education Plans. 

13. Assist in the selection of textbooks, supplies, equipment, instructional materials and technology resources. 

14. Establish open lines of communication and maintain a professional relationship with students, parents, colleagues and community members.

15. Demonstrate interest and initiative in personal and professional improvement and participate in the campus and district staff development program. 

16. Keep informed in, and comply with federal, state, district and campus regulations and policies for classroom teachers; compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other documents as required. 

17. Conduct ARD Committee meetings for students assigned.

18. Plan, supervise and evaluate purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and/or volunteer(s). 

19. Utilize technology in planning, organizing and implementing the teacher/learning process and other classroom managerial functions. 

20. Assist students in analyzing and understanding the learning process so that students may become life-long learners. 

21. Monitor and assess student achievement through informal and formal testing procedures. 

22. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned and cooperate with the sponsorship for activities approved by the School. 

23. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on committees as required. 

24. Maintain discretion and confidentiality. 

25. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards. 

26. Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator). 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

None  

EQUIPMENT USED: 

Computer, copier, multimedia equipment and other classroom or office machines. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Mental Demands: 

Maintain emotional control under stress; ability to instruct 

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 

Assist in restraining students in crisis situations; frequent prolonged, irregular hours and occasional evening meetings; occasional lifting or moving up to 45 pounds and over; monitor students for a prolonged period of time; monitor multi-tasks/projects; meet deadlines, develop effective relationship with students, and parents.