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Special Education Teacher (RISE)

Community Independent School District
1 day ago
Full-time
On-site
Texas, United States

Primary Purpose:

 

The RISE Classroom is a specialized program for kindergarten and first-grade students with significant social, emotional, and behavioral needs. It provides individualized instruction and behavioral support in a structured, nurturing environment, helping students build foundational social skills, emotional regulation, and positive behaviors while supporting their academic growth. The teacher collaborates closely with general education staff, related service providers, and families to ensure students are successful across all settings.
 
Goal of the Position:
To create a safe, supportive learning environment where young students develop the social and behavioral skills necessary to succeed academically and socially in a general education setting and beyond.
 
Qualifications:
 
Education/Certification:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field.

  • Valid state teaching certification in Special Education.

  • Experience working with young children with behavioral or emotional needs preferred.

  • Knowledge of behavior management strategies, social-emotional learning, and early childhood development.

Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong classroom management and behavior intervention skills.

  • Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff.

  • Patience, consistency, and adaptability in a dynamic classroom setting.

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills.

  • Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

Experience:
At least one year student teaching or approved internship
 
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
 

Instruction & Classroom Management:

  • Deliver differentiated instruction aligned with district curriculum for kindergarten and first-grade students.

  • Implement evidence-based strategies to teach social skills, including communication, peer interaction, problem-solving, and self-regulation.

  • Develop and maintain a structured, predictable classroom environment that supports positive behavior.

  • Utilize proactive classroom management techniques and individualized behavior supports.

Behavior Support & Intervention

  • Develop, implement, and monitor Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

  • Collect and analyze behavioral and academic data to inform instruction and interventions.

  • Teach and reinforce replacement behaviors and coping strategies.

  • Respond to challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques and restorative practices.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusion opportunities and transitions.

  • Work closely with related service providers (e.g., counselors, speech therapists, occupational therapists).

  • Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and strategies for support at home.

  • Participate in ARD/IEP meetings and contribute to goal development and progress monitoring.

Social Skills Development

  • Design and implement explicit social skills instruction using modeling, role-play, and guided practice.

  • Facilitate small-group and whole-group social interactions.

  • Support students in generalizing social skills across settings (classroom, playground, cafeteria).

Compliance & Documentation

  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of student progress, behavior data, and IEP compliance.

  • Ensure adherence to district, state, and federal special education guidelines.

Professional Growth and Development:

  • Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development related to behavior intervention and social-emotional learning.
  • Support a positive campus culture and contribute to team-based problem solving.
  • Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Other:

  • Understand 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 required documents in a timely manner. 
  • Uphold confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Classroom setting with young children requiring varying levels of behavioral and instructional support.

  • May involve lifting, standing, and responding to physical behaviors as needed.

  • Requires flexibility and responsiveness to student needs throughout the day.