Special Education Teacher - Social and Interpersonal Learning (SAIL)

Provide students with disabilities appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them achieve educational progress in all areas but specifically emotional and social skills.  Develop modified curricula and other instructional materials to address each student’s ability level.

Students accessing this instructional setting demonstrate significant behavioral and emotional challenges that require intensive support. This program addresses students’ academic and behavioral needs with highly individualized approaches and positive behavior supports.  SAIL students require a highly specialized learning environment due to significant communication, social, and behavioral needs.  This classroom setting includes intensive social skill instruction, behavior modification strategies, and concentrated academic instruction based on the individual needs of students. Students have opportunities to interact with their typical peers to the fullest extent possible in an effort to reinforce the generalization of acquired skills.

Knowledge and experience in working with students with emotional and behavioral challenges preferred

The Special Education Department maintains an expectation that all staff will assume shared responsibility for the health, safety, and confidentiality of all students and adults; which may include implementing, supporting and documenting behavioral intervention strategies and/or providing school health, related, and personal care services.

Collaborate with parents and other staff members to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through the ARD/IEP Committee process.

Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the students’ IEPs and reflect the District's established curriculum; demonstrate written evidence of preparation as required.

Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles/needs, including activities, materials, and equipment.

Use technology (including assistive technology) to strengthen the teaching/learning process.

Participate in ARD/IEP committee meetings on a regular basis.

Plan and supervise assignments for teaching assistants and volunteers.

Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.

Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.

Be a positive role model for students and support the mission of the school district.

Help students develop independence and advocacy skills particularly in the area of communication, social skills, and emotional regulation.

Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned,

Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.

Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

Provide positive behavioral supports to manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.

Must be physically capable of implementing student restraint as a last resort for safety.

Establish and maintain open communications by conducting conferences with parents, student, related service providers, principals, and teachers.

Use effective verbal and written communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.

Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members

Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required for District and TEA compliance.

Participate in professional development activities to improve job-related skills.

Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, District, and school regulations and policies related to the delivery of special education services.

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

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.