Special Education Co-Teacher- IDEA Rio Grande City College Prep (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools•Rio Grande City, TX

About The Position

IDEA Special Education RISE Co-Teachers support students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities in K–12 classrooms. RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) uses a functional curriculum focused on daily living and vocational skills to help students transition successfully to adult life in their communities. Instruction includes practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills. Classrooms emphasize communication, independence, skills generalization in natural settings, and participation in general education activities with typical peers. Co-Teachers support the Special Education RISE classroom in an Academy (K–5) or College Prep (6–12), working with students in lower student-teacher ratios, often 1:3. This opening is also described as a teacher residency: residents work full time in IDEA classrooms under the mentorship of host teachers, gradually taking on classroom responsibilities, and attend weekly evening classes with IDEA’s board-approved certification partner. After completing the residency year, residents obtain enhanced residency teacher certification from Texas and become eligible for lead teacher employment in IDEA’s Pre-K or Special Education program. The position is described as full time and located in the Rio Grande City region, with remote/on-site wording in the posting. Preference is given to candidates who live in the region or are willing to relocate. Travel expectations are listed as none. Co-teachers typically arrive at school at 7:00 AM and leave around 5:00 PM, attend evening classes, and may attend occasional Saturday school. Compensation is hourly, from $16.05 for zero years of experience to $23.17, with earnings paid over 12 months.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year educational institution by May 15, 2026.
Strong time-management skills and experience balancing multiple priorities.
Ability to recover from setbacks and remain positive when facing challenges.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Flexibility and ability to adjust to changes and situations within the school environment.
Ability to stand and move throughout the classroom and campus for extended periods, up to 6–8 hours per day.
Frequent bending and kneeling to assist students at desks, on the floor, or at low workstations.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, including heavier materials or assisting students.
Sufficient hearing and ability to communicate clearly with students and staff and monitor classroom activity in a moderately loud environment; hearing aids are acceptable.
Ability to supervise students outdoors in varying weather conditions during recess, transitions, drills, and events.
Ability to respond quickly, move rapidly, and assist students during evacuations, lockdowns, or medical emergencies.
Commitment to IDEA’s mission and belief that all students are capable of getting to and through college.
Willingness to be accountable for outcomes, take action, learn from mistakes, and improve quickly.
Ability to work with urgency and purpose, adapt to ambiguity and change, seek and respond to feedback, and build cross-departmental relationships.
Professional conduct and behavior that models high standards for colleagues and students.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher (preferred).
Living in the region or willingness to relocate.

Responsibilities

Serve as a full-time co-teacher at IDEA under the support of a host teacher.
Attend all ACT-RGV evening classes and occasional Saturday school.
Support implementation of IDEA curricula and assessments to meet academic expectations.
Assist with grading, lesson planning, preparation of class materials, and classroom management.
Track individual student progress and learning needs, adjust lesson plans, and update the grade book weekly.
Co-teach with the host teacher for at least 21 hours per week during the residency year.
Implement a clear and consistent behavior management system aligned with campus-wide initiatives, while developing students’ character and sense of community.
Help develop a school-wide culture that fosters a productive and enthusiastic learning environment.
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 participate fully in activities.
Collaborate 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 in the Life Skills Unit, which may include feeding, lifting, and toileting.
Accompany students on school buses before or after school if needed at the campus.

Benefits

Medical plan with the majority of the employee premium covered and the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children subsidized.
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 per year, unlimited 24/7 telephone 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.
Possible relocation allowance to help defray moving costs, if applicable.