Special Education RISE Co-Teacher - IDEA Frontier Academy (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools•Brownsville, TX

36d•$16 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education RISE Co-Teacher supports students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities in K–12 classrooms. RISE stands for Reaching Independence through Support and Education. The role supports a functional curriculum focused on 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, generalizing skills in natural settings, and participation in general education activities with typical peers. Co-teachers support RISE classrooms in the Academy (K–5) or College Prep (6–12), often working with lower student-teacher ratios such as 1:3. The position offers an hourly rate of $16.00 for 0 years of experience up to $23.00, with hourly co-teacher earnings paid over a 12-month period. The role is intended for candidates seeking experience in special education and advancement in their education careers; at least 48 college hours are required, and a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be eligible to enroll in IDEA’s Special Education Certification Program, an alternative certification program facilitated by South Texas Transition to Teaching, with the goal of earning special education certification and becoming a future special education teacher at IDEA.

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.

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.
IDEA Co-Teachers with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to enroll in the IDEA Special Education Certification Program (ISECP), 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 other professionals, including 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 daily living activities in the Life Skills Unit, which may include feeding, lifting, and toileting.
At some campuses, accompany students on school buses before or after school.

Benefits

Base 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, depending on tenure and caregiver designation.
Tuition reimbursement of up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 per year, subject to manager discretion and budget availability.
Employer-paid mental and behavioral health services, including five face-to-face counseling sessions within a year and unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling.
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.