STEM Teacher - Special Education - PALS (2026-2027 School Year)

Primary Purpose

The role of the STEM special education PALS teacher is to provide students who have significant cognitive disabilities with engaging and rigorous learning experiences in the core academic subject area, with a strong emphasis on STEM education, to help them reach their full intellectual, emotional, physical, and social potential. The PALS teacher will develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. The PALS teacher will utilize STEM-focused activities that build essential competencies and skills, empowering students to thrive and contribute meaningfully in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven society. The PALS teacher will work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university 

• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of STEM fluency skills, Project Based Learning (PBL) and Engineering Design Process (EDP)

• Innovative in lesson design and delivery

• Contributes to a culture, climate, and environment that values collaboration

• Ability to build partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide real-world experiences

• Ability to tell the AISD stories of inspiration, success, and opportunities

• Fosters a classroom environment with high structure and positive relationships

• Demonstrate a belief that all students can achieve high levels of rigor

• Knowledge of core academic subjects assigned

• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD)

• Committee process and Individual Education Program (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

• Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic educational environment

Experience

• One year student teaching or approved internship

• Experience in a special education setting preferred

• STEM education experience preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

• Create hands-on, inquiry based experiences that promote problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. 

• Integrate technology to enhance real-world applications to the learning experience. 

• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of district’s curriculum program incorporating innovative lesson designs including STEM and Project Based Learning showing written evidence of preparation as required. 

• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in individual student differences.

• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.

• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, equipment, and technology that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned and present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.

• Conduct assessment of student learning needs and use results to plan instructional activities.

• Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).

• Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.

• Plan and assign work to instructional aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.

• Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.

• Analyze formal and informal assessment data, and adjust teaching strategies to meet the individual student needs. 

• Actively seek out professional development. 

• Motivate students to explore and engage in utilizing STEM instructional strategies.

• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.

• Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Develop a classroom community that promotes student collaboration and ownership of academic performance and behavior

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

• Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.

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

• Assist in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

• Compile and maintain required records. 

Communication

• Actively collaborate with colleagues.

• Share best practices. 

• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members.

Professional Growth and Development

• Adjust instruction to meet the evolving demands of STEM education. 

• Contribute to a culture, climate, and environment that values collaboration. 

• Willing to try different approaches.

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

• Comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.

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

• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct the work of assigned instructional aide(s).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools and Equipment: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals, Promethean panel, standard instructional equipment, copier, printer, phone

• Software: Student Information System, Google applications

• Physical Demands: Prolonged standing, frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting, frequent walking, regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds), may lift and move text books and classroom equipment, occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior (if trained)

• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress, work prolonged or irregular hours, work with frequent interruptions

• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather), regular exposure to noise, occasional districtwide and statewide travel, biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: Teacher, Nurse, Librarian

Stipend: PALS stipend ($4,000) + STEM implementation year stipend ($10,000)

Master's Degree: Additional $1,000 annual stipend

The Abilene ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities.

The foregoing statements describe the general role and responsibilities assigned to this job. I understand this is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned; other duties may be assigned as needed.