Life Skills Unit

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

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. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignment
• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs
• Effective communication skills

Experience

• Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Instructional Strategies

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
6. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
7. Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.

Student Growth and Development

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

Classroom management and Organization

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

Other

17. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
18. Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
19. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
20. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
21. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
22. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
23. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
24. Maintain a consistent professional demeanor and appearance
25. Ensure compliance with the Texas Educator’s Code of Ethics
26. Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Direct the work of instructional aide(s).

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Office equipment – persona computer, printer, calculator, multi-line telephone, software programs and peripherals, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.
• Communication equipment – radio communication equipment, cellular telephone
• Video monitoring equipment

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work with frequent interruptions

 Physical Demands

• Frequent: Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs and/or ramps, balancing, stooping kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing, speaking clearly, visual acuity, distinguishing colors, driving, traveling.
• Occasional: Lifting, moderate, 15-44 pounds; carrying, moderate, 15-44 pounds

Environmental Factors

• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination, vibration
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces, work alone, work prolonged or irregular hours.

Nondiscrimination Statement:

The Judson School District considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital or veteran status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

*Attention Retirees: Judson ISD will offer employment to any retiree, for SPED and Bilingual positions, who has been retired for at least one year and meets the District and TRS qualifications. The District will cover the 16% TRS surcharge and the employee would be eligible for incentives and stipends offered in the approved compensation plan.