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

IDEA Public Schools•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Special Education Co-Teacher supports IDEA’s Special Education RISE classroom at the Academy (K–5) or College Prep (6–12). RISE serves students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities using a functional curriculum focused on daily living and vocational skills and successful transition to adult life in the community. Instruction includes practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills. Classrooms emphasize communication, maximum independence, generalization of skills in natural settings, and participation in general education activities with typical peers. Co-Teachers work with students in lower student-teacher ratios, often 1 to 3, and support their academic needs under the direction of classroom staff. This role is suitable for candidates seeking experience in special education teaching, including candidates with at least 48 college hours who want challenging work and an opportunity to advance in their education career. Compensation is hourly, ranging from $16.57 for 0 years of experience to $23.30, with earnings paid over a 12-month period. IDEA offers a comprehensive benefits plan and may provide a relocation allowance for this role, 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 variety of situations in the school environment.
Commitment to the organization’s mission and to working toward student outcomes; willingness to act, learn, and improve, work with urgency, adapt to ambiguity and change, respond to feedback, and build cross-departmental relationships.
Professional conduct and behavior that models high standards for colleagues and students.

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.

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, ride school buses to accompany students 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/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.
Five face-to-face counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services at no cost.
Dental and vision plans.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Parenting benefits.
Flexible spending account options.
Generous vacation time.
Referral bonuses.
Professional development.
403(b) plan.
IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray moving costs, if applicable.