Special Education Co-Teacher - IDEA Montopolis Academy (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools•Austin, TX

8d•$17 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Co-Teacher supports IDEA Public Schools’ RISE classrooms, which serve K–12 students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities. These classrooms use a functional curriculum to develop practical academic, communication, community, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills that support students’ independence and transition to adult life in the community. Instruction takes place in a general education school building and emphasizes communication, maximum independence, generalizing skills in natural settings, and participation in activities with typical peers. Co-Teachers support students’ academic needs in the Academy (K–5) or College Prep (6–12), often in lower student-teacher ratios such as 1:3. The role is suited to someone seeking experience in special education teaching, including candidates with at least 48 college hours who want challenging work and opportunities to advance their education career. Co-Teachers work under the direction of facilitators and classroom teachers, support students’ educational and social development, and collaborate with other professionals. The position may involve assisting with daily living needs, including feeding, lifting, and toileting, as well as accompanying students on school buses at some campuses. The compensation range is $16.57 to $23.30 per hour, with hourly co-teacher earnings paid over 12 months. IDEA offers a benefits plan that covers the majority of the employee premium for its base medical plan and subsidizes much of the cost of coverage for a spouse or domestic partner and children. Other offerings include eligible paid family leave, tuition reimbursement, employer-paid mental and behavioral health services, dental and vision plans, disability and life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. A relocation allowance may be offered if applicable.

Requirements

At least 48 college hours.
Ability to physically assist students with special needs as required, including positioning, lifting, transferring, and restraining.
Ability to instruct students and manage student behavior.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to adjust and adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience working with children with cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities strongly preferred.
Willingness to pursue a Special Education teaching certification preferred.
Co-Teachers with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to enroll in IDEA’s Special Education Certification Program, an alternative certification program facilitated by South Texas Transition to Teaching (SOTEX).

Responsibilities

Assist in students’ educational and social development under the direction and guidance of the facilitator and classroom teachers.
Assist with implementing students’ Individual Education Plans and monitor their progress.
Support individual students inside and outside the classroom so they can fully participate in activities.
Work with professionals such as speech therapists, social workers, and occupational and physical therapists.
Assist classroom teachers with maintaining student records.
Support students with emotional or behavioral concerns and help them develop appropriate social skills.
Assist with activities of daily living, which may include feeding, lifting, and toileting in the Life Skills Unit.
At some campuses, accompany students on school buses before or after school.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse or domestic partner and children.
Eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid family leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
Tuition reimbursement of up to 50% of tuition for a qualifying degree program, capped at $5,250 per year and subject to manager discretion and budget availability.
Employer-paid mental and behavioral health services, including five face-to-face counseling sessions within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services.
Dental and vision plans.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Parenting benefits.
Flexible spending account options.
Generous vacation time.
Referral bonuses.
Professional development.
403(b) plan.
Relocation allowance may be offered if applicable.