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

IDEA Public Schools • Converse, TX

2d • $17 - $24

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 program uses a functional curriculum focused on practical academics, communication, community participation, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills to build daily living skills and support successful transitions to adult life in the community. Instruction takes place in a general education school building and emphasizes communication, maximum independence, skill generalization in natural settings, and participation in activities with typical peers.

Co-Teachers support the Special Education-RISE classroom in the Academy (K–5) or College Prep (6–12), working with students in lower student-teacher ratios, often 1:3. The position is described as an opportunity to gain Special Education teaching experience and advance in an education career. Co-Teachers 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.

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.

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

• Hourly Co-Teacher earnings are paid out 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 leave for the birth or adoption of a child, depending 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 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