JOB TITLE:  SPED-Teacher Autism Support 

REPORTS TO:  Principal

DEPT./SCHOOL:  As assigned         

WAGE/HIRE STATUS:  Exempt

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Provide students who have been identified with Autism with the appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.  Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

QUALIFICATIONS:

    Minimum Education/Certification: 

• Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university.
• Valid teaching certificate for subject\grade level assigned.
• Be eligible for the appropriate Probationary Certificate through a TEA approved Teacher.
• Certification Program.

     Special Knowledge/Skills:

•  Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area
•  Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Educational Plan (IEP) goal setting process an implementation
•  Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
•  Specific training and experience in teaching students with autism and related disorders.
•  Knowledge and training in effective methodologies and best practices in teaching autistic students.
•  Ability to effectively assess levels of student achievement, analyze test results and prescribe actions for improvement.
•  Knowledge of current educational research.

 Minimum Experience:

Student teaching or approved internship or approved Alternative Teacher Certification Program training  

    Terms of Contract:  According to district approved calendar

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

     Instructional Management

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

     2.  Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP

          through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.

     3. Develop and implement plans for the curriculum program assigned and show written

         evidence of preparation as required.

     4. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodation for individual student differences.

     5. Present the subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education

         Agency, board policies, administrative regulations.

     6. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media, consistent with the needs and

         capabilities of the student groups involved.

     7. Cooperate with other members of the staff in planning and implementing instructional

         goals, objectives, and methods in accordance with district requirements.

     8. Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher assistant(s) and/or

         volunteer(s).

     9. Employ the use of technologies in the teaching/learning process.

    10. Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

    11. Provide classroom support to teachers working with students with autism and related

          disorders.

    Student Growth and Development

    12. Assist students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.

    13. Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress

          required.

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

          IEP.

    15. Assume responsibility for duties and/or extra curricular activities as assigned and may

          sponsor outside activities approved by the school.

    16. Present for students a positive role model that supports the mission of the school

         district.

     School/Organization Climate

   17. Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the

         maturity and interests of students.

   18.  Provide demonstrations teaching and modeling of effective practices in teaching

          autistic students.

   19.  Establish control in the classroom and administer discipline in accordance with board

          policies, administrative regulations, and students’ IEP.

   20. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students.

   21.  Assist before, during, and after the school day in the supervision of students as

          assigned by the principal.

   22.  Promote a positive work environment and positive staff morale within the school.

     School/Organization Improvement   

   23. Participate with other staff in building a common vision for school improvement.

   24. Participate in planning and implementing activities to ensure attainment of school's

         mission.

     Personnel Management

   25. Assist in selecting/orienting new instructional staff.

     Administration and Fiscal/Facilities Management

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

         facilities.

     School/Community Relations

   27. Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents.

   28. Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, and

         community members.

   29. Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

     Professional Growth and Development

   30. Participate in the district professional development program.

   31. Demonstrate interest and initiative in professional improvement.

   32. Observe professional and ethical standards in accordance with generally accepted

         community standards and the Texas Education Agency code of ethics.

     Policy Implementation

    33. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and

          policies for teachers.

    34  Assume responsibility for compiling, maintaining, and filing all reports, records, and 

          other documents required.

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

     Other Duties

    36. Perform such other duties as may be assigned or as may be necessary for job

          effectiveness.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

      Supervise assigned teacher assistant(s), if applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress.  Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling.  Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom adaptive equipment.  May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist nonambulatory students.  Exposure to biological hazards.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities.  Additionally, the minimum level of education noted as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) as determined by the hiring manager.