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

IDEA Public Schools•Brownsville, TX

77d•$16 - $23

About The Position

The Special Education RISE Co-Teacher supports students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities in IDEA Brownsville College Prep. RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) classrooms use a functional curriculum to build daily living and vocational skills and prepare students for adult life in the community. Instruction includes practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills. Classrooms emphasize communication, independence, learning in natural settings, and participation in general education activities with typical peers. Co-Teachers support students in lower student-teacher ratio settings, often 1:3, in the College Prep grades 6–12. The role is suited to someone seeking experience in special education who has at least 48 college hours and is interested in advancing an education career. Co-Teachers work under the direction of facilitators and classroom teachers, assist with educational and social development, and support students’ academic needs and participation in school activities.

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.
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 with implementing students’ Individual Education Plans and monitor their progress.
Provide support to 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 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

Hourly compensation ranging from $16.05 for 0 years of experience to $23.17; hourly co-teacher earnings are paid over a 12-month period.
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, 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, 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.