Teacher Middle School -Special Education (Focus)

Pay Grade: 820 (Min $340.54 per day) Work Days: 185 FOCUS | Intervention Program (Campus Based ECS-12) This specially designed instructional (SDI) programming provides academic and behavioral intervention to students with significant social, emotional and behavioral deficit skills. These students demonstrate a need for targeted and individualized social and behavioral interventions by highly trained staff. In addition to the general education curriculum, these students receive social skills instruction targeted to risk factors, self regulation and de-escalation strategies, personalized procedures for coping in high stress situations, and reinforcement systems to increase skill utilization.

2025-2026 New Hire Schedule (First year teacher salary $63,000) Check the new hire schedule for pay based on years of experience. Click the link above to see the full schedule.Primary Purpose:

• Provide students with 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: Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or training for subject and level assigned
• Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assigned

ESL Certification is required for the following positions:

• Pre-K and elementary teaching positions, including Special Education (This requirement does not include elementary art, music, and physical education teachers.)
• Middle school English/Language Arts teaching positions, grades 6-8, including Special Education
• High school English/Language Arts teaching positions, grades 9-12, including Special Education

Special Education Certification is required for the following positions:

• All teachers at an Early Childhood campus

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of core academic subjects assigned
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

• At least one year of student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties: Instructional Strategies

• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the district's curriculum program assigned and show written evidence of preparation as required
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodation for individual student differences
• Present the subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, Board policies, and administrative regulations
• Plan and use appropriate instructional/learning strategies, activities, materials, and technology that reflect accommodation for individual needs of students assigned
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results for instructional activities
• Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established by Individual Education Plans (IEP)
• Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements
• Cooperate with other members of the staff in planning and implementing instructional goals,objectives, and methods according to district requirements
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required
• Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and or volunteer(s)
• Integrate technologies in the teaching/learning process

Student Growth and Development

• Assist students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned and may sponsor outside activities approved by the school
• Be a positive role model for students; support the mission of the school district

Classroom Management and Organization

• Develop and maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of students
• Manage student behavior in the classroom and administer discipline according to board policies, administrative regulations, and IEP
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Assist in the selection of appropriate instructional materials

Communication

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents, principals and other colleagues

• Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, and community members Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly

• Keep the principal fully informed with respect to conditions and needs of the classroom and of new techniques and materials being used

Professional Growth and Development

• Attend and participate in faculty meetings, and work sessions as required by the principal
• Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of Plano ISD and follow directives from supervisor
• Follow attendance policy as assigned by supervisor
• Perform other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or supervisor
• Exhibit professional judgment and responsibility at all times
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and electronic reports, records, and other documents as required
• Promote professional improvement through reading educational journals and books, exploring educational research, enrolling in college courses, participating in staff development activities, and membership in professional organizations

Policy Implementation

• Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations, district philosophy, board policies, and present subject matter according to established guidelines
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise assigned classroom assistant(s)

Equipment Used:

• Computer, copier, fax, typewriter

Working Conditions: Mental Demands:

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); ability to instruct; interpret policy and maintain emotional control under stress

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Frequent district-wide and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours; frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions

SM102826/00001629