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

IDEA Public Schools•Edinburg, TX

4d•$16 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education RISE Co-Teacher supports students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities in a functional curriculum focused on daily living and vocational skills and successful transition to adult life in the community. K–12 RISE classrooms teach practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure/recreation, and vocational skills in a general education school building. Instruction emphasizes communication, independence, skill generalization in natural settings, and participation in general education activities with typical peers. Co-Teachers support students’ academic needs in lower student-teacher ratios, often 1:3, in an Academy or College Prep RISE classroom. The role offers experience in special education teaching and may suit candidates with at least 48 college hours who are interested in advancing their education career. 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, with the goal of gaining special education certification and becoming future IDEA special education teachers. Compensation is hourly, ranging from $16.05 for 0 years of experience to $23.17, with hourly co-teacher earnings paid over a 12-month period. IDEA offers a comprehensive benefits plan, including coverage of most of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidies toward costs for spouses/domestic partners and children. A relocation allowance may be offered 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 IDEA’s mission and values, including accountability for outcomes, urgency, responsiveness to feedback, collaboration, professionalism, and adaptability.

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, ride the school bus with students before or after school as needed.

Benefits

Medical plan, with the employer covering the majority of the employee premium 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, depending on tenure and caregiver designation.
Tuition reimbursement of up to 50% of tuition for a qualifying degree program, with a maximum of $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.
A relocation allowance may be offered to defray moving costs, if applicable.