Special Education Rise Co-Teacher - IDEA Lopez Academy (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools•Odessa, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education RISE Co-Teacher supports students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities in K–12 RISE classrooms. RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) uses a functional curriculum focused on daily living and vocational skills to help students transition successfully to adult life in the community. Instruction covers practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills. Classrooms emphasize communication, independence, generalization of skills 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 to 3, in an Academy (K–5) or College Prep (6–12) setting. This role assists with students’ educational and social development under the direction of the facilitator and classroom teachers. The position may include supporting daily living needs, such as feeding, lifting, and toileting, and accompanying students on school buses before or after school at some campuses. The role is intended for candidates seeking experience in special education and an opportunity to advance their education career. Compensation is hourly, ranging from $17.73 for 0 years of experience to $25.59, with earnings paid over 12 months. IDEA offers a comprehensive benefits plan and may offer a relocation allowance 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 the organization’s mission and values, including accountability for outcomes, urgency in supporting student outcomes, responsiveness to feedback, and collaboration across departments.

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, an alternative certification program facilitated by South Texas Transition to Teaching.

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 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 daily living activities, which may include feeding, lifting, and toileting in the Life Skills Unit.
At some campuses, accompany students on school buses before or after school.

Benefits

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 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.
Vacation time.
Referral bonuses.
Professional development.
403(b) plan.
Relocation allowance may be offered, if applicable.