Job Abstract

JOB SUMMARY

The Special Education Teacher Apprentice plays a crucial role in assisting and supporting students who receive special education services. Special Education Teacher Apprentices will assist, support, and work alongside special education teachers as they develop teaching skills, gain practical classroom experience, and provide other special education department support that contributes to the success of our students. The special education teacher apprentice will have the opportunity to learn and grow within a supportive and innovative educational environment. The role requires an individual with compassion, patience, and a strong commitment to helping students overcome their unique challenges and achieve their full potential.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Collaborate with special education teachers to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and make necessary modifications to accommodate students' diverse learning needs.
2. Provide one-on-one or small group support to students with special needs to reinforce learning objectives and assist students in understanding and completing assignments and classwork.
3. Support the adaptation of instructional materials and techniques to meet the individual needs and learning styles of students with disabilities.
4. Assist students with organizational skills, time management, and study strategies to foster independence and academic success.
5 Monitor and record students' progress, behaviors, and achievements, and communicate regularly with teachers, parents, and other team members.
6. Help create a positive and inclusive classroom environment by promoting acceptance, understanding, and respect for students with special needs.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

7. Collaborate with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to provide a comprehensive support system for students.
8. Assist in implementing behavior management strategies, promoting positive behavior and addressing challenging behaviors in accordance with the students' IEPs.
9. Support students during transitions between classrooms, activities, and settings, ensuring their safety, comfort, and inclusion.
10. Attend relevant professional development sessions, workshops, and meetings to stay updated on best practices and advancements in special education.
11. Perform clerical duties to help meet federal and state compliance under the department chair and campus administration's direction.
12. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Certified teacher or in a certification program (strongly preferred);

Special Education Certification must be obtained within 3 years.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Previous experience working with students with special needs, preferably in an educational setting.

In years 0-2 years of experience as a teacher

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Strong passion for education and a desire to become a teacher.

Knowledge of different types of disabilities, learning disorders, and interventions commonly used in special education.

Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish positive relationships with students, parents, teachers, and other professionals.

Patience, empathy, and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively collaborate with the multidisciplinary team.

Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.

Flexibility and adaptability to meet the changing needs and demands of students and the educational environment.

Knowledge of assistive technologies and adaptive equipment commonly used in special education (preferred).

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory or direct people management responsibilities. May provide occasional work guidance, technical advice, and training to staff.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work involves the application of moderately complex procedures and tasks that are quite varied. Independent judgment is often required to select and apply the most appropriate of available resources. Ongoing supervision is provided on an "as needed" basis.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

No budget development activity is required.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitude but are still subject to approval. Job is occasionally expected to recommend new solutions to problems and improve existing methods or generate new ideas.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Follows rules and procedures. Decisions can have minimal or no impact to HISD. Errors can be readily detected, usually by the employee, and, if made, would result in minor expense for correction.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Information sharing - gives and receives information such as options, technical direction, instructions and reporting results. Interactions are mostly with customers, own supervisor and coworkers in own and other departments.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Follows through with customer inquiries, requests and complaints. Forwards difficult and non-routine inquiries or requests to appropriate level for resolution.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.