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

IDEA Public Schools • Austin, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education RISE Co-Teacher supports students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities in a K–12 functional curriculum classroom at an IDEA Academy or College Prep campus. Instruction focuses on practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills to help students develop daily living skills and transition successfully to adult life in the community. Classrooms emphasize communication, independence, skill generalization in natural settings, and participation in general education activities with typical peers. Co-Teachers work with students in lower student-teacher ratios, often 1:3, and support the classroom under the direction and guidance of facilitators and classroom teachers.

The position is intended for someone seeking experience in special education teaching and is open to candidates with at least 48 college hours. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. 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, with the goal of gaining special education certification and becoming a future IDEA special education teacher.

Compensation is hourly, ranging from $16.61 for zero years of experience to $23.98, with earnings paid over a 12-month period. IDEA offers a benefits plan and may provide 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.

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, 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.
• Collaborate 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.
• Accompany students on school buses before or after school when needed at some campuses.

Benefits

• Base medical plan with the majority of the employee premium covered; the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children are 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 paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 per year, subject to manager discretion and budget availability.
• Five face-to-face mental or behavioral health counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services at no cost.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Parenting benefits.
• Flexible spending account options.
• Generous vacation time.
• Referral bonuses.
• Professional development.
• 403(b) plan.
• Relocation allowance may be offered to defray moving costs, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree