High School: Teacher Special Education FLaSH

Job Overview

The Teacher Special Education FLaSH High School will provide instruction in academic, behavior, communication, independent living, social and personal care skills to students with disabilities using a variety of teaching techniques, materials, and equipment. The Functional Living and School Health Services (FLaSH) program generally serves students with significant physical and/or cognitive disabilities. The students may not be independently mobile and often times require full assistance to care for their daily needs. The focus of instruction is visual and auditory stimulation, motor skills development, assistive technology, interaction with others and, if possible, communication skills. Often times, these students are medically fragile and may require custodial care. Any teacher who will coach a UIL sport will also provide athletic services related to that athletic sport and the athletic program.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Service Delivery

Provide instruction to students with varying disabilities in the development of skills and knowledge that enables him or her to access the grade-level curriculum using accommodations and/or modifications in the least restrictive environment

Prepare lesson plans and organize materials that are sequential and meaningful to instruction and geared to the students' assessed needs, IEP goals and objectives, functioning level, and aligned with the general education curriculum

Execute behavioral strategies as indicated in students' ARD documents (e.g., reinforcements, consequences, contingencies, etc.). Intervene using a continuum of behavior intervention strategies, up to and including approved physical restraint when students are in danger of harming themselves or others

Utilize data collection tools and assessment results to document ongoing student programming, maintain and retain accurate records, and monitor and adjust instructional, behavioral, and social emotional educational plans

Use appropriate adaptive equipment and assistive technology as recommended by related services providers/ARD to facilitate learning, communication, mobility and positioning

Fully implement students' IEPs, including behavioral intervention plans, social skills, and accommodation/modification of materials and/or curriculum

Provide for basic needs of students who, because of their disability, are not able to care for themselves regarding personal care, including but not limited to, personal hygiene, toileting, cleaning, dressing, lifting, positioning, transitioning, and feeding

Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure full implementation of students' IEPs, including behavioral intervention plans, social skills, and accommodation/modification of materials and/or curriculum

Maintain updated knowledge and understanding of pre-requisite skills to students assigned grade-level content, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

Under the supervision of the nurse, provide school health services such as G-Tube feedings, administering medication, etc. Compliance

Maintain confidentiality with regards to students with disabilities as required by law

Work collaboratively with parents, students, and school community personnel to develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for assigned students

Develop present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) and annual goals/objectives based on documentation of performance to present during Annual, Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings

Arrange and prepare draft ARD documents, participate in students' Full Individual Evaluations (FIE), provide progress reports to parents, and participate in required ARD meetings

Follow all district, state, and federal guidelines related to serving students with disabilities

Conduct and maintain tasks related to the School Health and Related Services program (SHARS), including documentation of the provision of services Program Support

Participate in appropriate professional development activities, as required or assigned by campus, district, or special education department

Provide support and direction to paraprofessionals regarding the implementation of students' IEPs and needs If the position is tied to coaching a UIL sport, the following essential duties and responsibilities are applicable to coaching:

Perform coaching duties as assigned as well as other duties required for the smooth, efficient operation of a successful athletic program

Possess knowledge and adheres to UIL rules and regulations

Assist the Athletic Department with budget, schedules, care/use of facilities

Communicate with the Athletic Department on a regular basis

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.

Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field

Valid Teaching Certification Issued by Texas Education Agency appropriate to subject and grade level of assignment Appropriate content area certification for the subject and grade level of the assignment, or demonstrate competency through the state's 2010 and 2011 High Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE)

Valid Special Education Certification EC-12 Special Education Supplement

De-Escalation/Restraint Certification Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification required within 30 days of providing instruction (District offers CPI training at no cost during the summer and throughout the school year)

Valid Driver's license with CDL Certification preferred if coaching a UIL sport

Coaching experience preferred if coaching a UIL sport

Ability to plan and implement lessons based on needs and abilities of students

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate technology equipment and software programs

Proven ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.

The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.

Additional Information

The employee may be required to work outside and may be exposed to the elements and inclement weather. This position requires lifting and positioning students, controlling certain behavior through hands-on behavior intervention strategies and approved physical restraint strategies. Teachers are expected to intervene with behavior, which can include aggression, self-injurious, disruptive, and self-stimulatory behaviors. The employee may be required to lift up to an adult-sized student using a 2-man lift for personal care needs.