Primary Purpose:

Provide students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills needed to reach postsecondary goals, with an emphasis on teaching behavior and skills required to obtain and maintain employment.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required Special Education Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to instruct students with significant learning needs and manage their behavior

Knowledge of transition process, including transition assessment, person-centered planning principles, Indicator 13 requirements, and accessing pertinent outside agencies

Knowledge of job coaching strategies and Department of Labor guidelines for work-based learning experiences

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

Experience:

One year student teaching or approved internship

Experience related to vocational and work-based learning instruction, preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Develop and implement lesson plans, IEP goals, and data collection methods for Occupational Preparation and Community Based Vocational Instruction classes, including working cooperatively with employers at work-based learning sites.

2. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP by employing a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.

3. Facilitate transition planning process for assigned students, including transition assessment, identification of postsecondary goals, suggested activities and resources to assist in movement toward goals, creation of a course of study, and linkage with appropriate agencies in compliance with Indicator 13 requirements.

4. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop an IEP through the ARD Committee process for students on assigned caseload.

5. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.

6. Plan assignments for paraprofessional(s) and volunteer(s).

7. Use technology in teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

8. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.

9. Consult with students, parents, case managers, and other transition stakeholders about movement toward postsecondary goals through annual transition goals and suggested activities.

10. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal. 11. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

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

13. Consult district and outside resources regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

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

15. Assist in selection of equipment and other instructional materials.

Communication

16. Establish and maintain open communication with students, parents, teachers, administrators, employers, and outside agency representatives.

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

18. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Professional Growth & Development

19. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.

20. Participate in transition-related training in order to obtain Texas Association of Vocational Adjustment Coordinators (TAVAC) certification.

21. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for Special Education teachers.

Other

22. Compile and maintain all physical and electronic reports, records, and other documentation.

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

24. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move instructional materials, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards.