Special Education RISE Co-Teacher - IDEA Burke College Prep (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools • San Antonio, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education RISE Co-Teacher supports students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities in an Academy (K–5) or College Prep (6–12) classroom. RISE means Reaching Independence through Support and Education. These classrooms use a functional curriculum to develop daily living and vocational skills that help students transition successfully to adult life in the community. Instruction may cover practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills. Classrooms emphasize communication, independence, skill generalization 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 the facilitator and classroom teachers.

This role is suited to candidates seeking experience in special education teaching and career advancement. At least 48 college hours are required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Experience working with children with cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities is strongly preferred. Candidates are expected to be capable of physically assisting students as needed, including positioning, lifting, transferring, and restraining. Some campuses may require accompanying students on school buses before or after school.

The stated hourly compensation range is $16.61 to $23.98, depending on experience, with co-teacher earnings paid over a 12-month period. The position is described as an immediate opening.

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 the IDEA Special Education Certification Program (ISECP), 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 in implementing students’ Individual Education Plans and monitor their progress.
• Support individual students inside and outside the classroom so they can fully participate 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, which may include feeding, lifting, and toileting in the Life Skills Unit.
• At some campuses, accompany students on school buses before or after school.
• Support students’ academic needs in RISE classrooms, often with student-teacher ratios of 1 to 3.

Benefits

• Medical plan with the majority of the employee premium covered and most 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, subject to 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 support, including five face-to-face counseling sessions per 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.
• IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray moving costs, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree