* Applicant MUST be Texas SPED certified to apply for this position.
East Fort Worth Montessori Academy
Job Description
Job Title: Special Education Teacher-Resource Wage/Work Year: Exempt
Reports to: Principal Pay Grade: Teacher Salary
Dept/School: Assigned Campus Date Revised: 12/2021 Day: 214
Primary Purpose:
Provide students with appropriate 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 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 endorsements or required training for subject and level assigned
● Special Education certification
● Demonstrated competency in the academic subject area assigned
Special Knowledge/Skills:
● Knowledge of academic subject assigned
● Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual
Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
● General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
● Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience:
● Successfully completed student teaching or acceptance into a TEA recognized Alternative
Certification Internship Program
● Two years of experience as a SPED teacher in a resources/classroom/co-teaching setting
Major 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.
▪ Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students 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.
▪ Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
▪ Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
▪ Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
▪ Plan some assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
▪ Use technology in the teaching/learning process.
▪ Use Montessori materials for students.
▪ Participate in Montessori practices on Thursdays
Student Growth and Development
▪ Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
(separate from the classroom)
▪ Provide support to students as stated in IEP.
▪ Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities
approved by the campus principal.
▪ Be a positive role model for students; support the mission of the school district.
▪ Provide information and transition meetings for students in 5th grade
Classroom Management and Organization
▪ Create classroom environments conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
▪ Manage student behavior and administer discipline in accordance with EFWMA Discipline
Procedures. This includes 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.
Plan and support teachers as needed in all roles according to IEP.
▪ Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
▪ Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
▪ Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
▪ Organize your classroom in such a way that any staff is able to locate resources for a student according to the IEP.
▪ Have a clear inventory of materials per academic area.
▪ Have sections of academics labeled in your classroom
▪ Follow your schedule of support as planned according to students IEP
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. Present to parents twice a year based on your needs assessment.
▪ 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.
Policy Implementation – The teacher shall:
● Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations, district philosophy, board policies, and present subject matter according to established guidelines.
● Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
● Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
● Stay abreast of all policies
● Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES – The teacher shall:
Supervise assigned:
● Students
● Interns
Evaluation:
The work of a Support Staff (SPED teacher) will be evaluated by the campus and district administrators.
Note:
All Support Staff should report to school and clock in no later than 7:40 a.m. Support Staff should have a schedule of school events and PTO meetings they will attend. They are responsible for presenting twice a year to PTO and sending updated information to the campus administrator for Board Meetings. Support Staff should not be involved in unprofessional mis- conduct, such as gossip, slander, favoritism, and impulsive behavior, negative communication about the organization or members of the team. All concerns should be addressed with the campus administrator. Preferential treatment amongst staff members will not be tolerated.
Excessive tardiness and absences from work and meetings will result in a consequence.
Your goal as a Support Staff is to bring evidence-based practices into classrooms by working primarily with students first, then teachers and parents. To increase academic success for all students, to advocate for teachers and students, and to positively communicate and advance the vision and mission of East Fort Worth Montessori Academy. Support Staff must provide a schedule, professional goals, instructional goals and student growth goals to the campus administrator at the beg. of the year.
T.E.A mandates that Coaches/Specialists maintain 200 Professional development clock hours every 5 years. EFWMA requires that coaches maintain 40 P.D. clock hours every year, 12 of the
40 hours should be met in the summer. 1 graduate course equals 4 P.D hours.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands:
Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); ability to instruct; interpret policy and maintain emotional control under stress.
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Occasional statewide/local travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling. Occasional lifting 25-50 pounds. Prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions.
The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. The Administration and/or supervisor has the right to add or change duties at any time.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
Experience:
- Teaching: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Teaching Certification for Special Education (Required)
Work Location: In person