BRENHAM INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Position Title: In-Class Support Special Education Teacher

Reports To: Campus Principal

Date Revised: March 2022

Primary Purpose: 

Qualifications:

Education/Certification: 

• Bachelor's degree in the related field.
• Valid Texas Teacher Certificate or Teaching Certificate from out-of-state appropriate for the position.
• Special education certificate.
• ESL Certification is required during 1st year if it has not already been obtained.
• Certification must meet the requirements for becoming and remaining qualified for this position in a manner required by Federal and/or State law.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, teachers and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.
• Willing to be trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention Strategies.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

• Adhere to the district's philosophy of instruction.
• Provide direct support to students in a classroom by delivering instruction and ensuring learning through a variety of co-teaching models and strategies.
• Work collaboratively with the co-teacher, teaching and grade-level teams and other staff, especially instructional support team, to plan, share student work and ensure that instruction is aligned with identified curriculum and standards.
• Collaboratively develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the district's curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.
• Participate in the identification/evaluation of learner competencies.
• Recommend appropriate goals/objectives for learner needs.
• Develop Individualized Student Programs (IEP) for students; maintain compliance with all Federal Regulations and State Policies regarding the education of students with disabilities.
• Follow specific instructional objectives based on the student's learning styles.
• Implement new methodologies, philosophies, and innovations.

Student Growth and Development

• Help students analyze and improve study methods and habits. Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
• Be a positive role model for students and support the mission of the school district.

Classroom Management and Organization:

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities. Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Attend required meetings and complete required reports.

Communication:

• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Collaborate with others to provide for learner needs.
• Consult with parents and other appropriate school personnel concerning each students' intellectual, academic, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Build a partnership with families, encouraging their active participation in students' learning.

Professional Growth and Development:

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills. Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Compile, maintain and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents as required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands

Reading, ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); maintain emotional control under stress; coordinate district-wide curriculum functions; interpret policy, procedures, and data; follow behavior intervention plans and procedures.

Physical Demands:

Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing; reaching; moving small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment; repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer terminal possible; occasional district-wide travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours; possible biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus; frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or over) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment; exposure to the sun, heat, cold and inclement weather; exposure to noise.