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

IDEA Public Schools•Mission, TX

3d•$16 - $23

About The Position

The Special Education RISE Co-Teacher supports students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities in a K–12 classroom. RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) classrooms use a functional curriculum focused on daily living and vocational skills to help students transition successfully to adult life in the community. Instruction may cover practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills. Classrooms emphasize communication, independence, skill use in natural settings, and participation in general education 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 provides an opportunity to gain experience in special education teaching and may suit candidates with at least 48 college hours who are interested in advancing their education careers. Co-Teachers with a bachelor’s degree may be eligible to enroll in IDEA’s alternative special education certification program, with the goal of becoming certified special education teachers at IDEA.

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, 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.
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, 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

Hourly compensation from $16.05 for 0 years of experience to $23.17.
Hourly co-teacher earnings are paid out over a 12-month period.
Comprehensive medical benefits, with the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan 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, capped at $5,250 per year and 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 and life insurance.
Parenting benefits.
Flexible spending account options.
Generous vacation time.
Referral bonuses.
Professional development.
403(b) plan.
Relocation allowance may be offered, if applicable.