Special Education RISE Co-Teacher - IDEA Mays Academy (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools • San Antonio, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education RISE Co-Teacher supports students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities in IDEA Public Schools’ K–12 RISE classrooms. RISE means Reaching Independence through Support and Education. The role is suited to a candidate seeking experience in special education teaching and requires at least 48 college hours. Co-Teachers support students in an Academy (K–5) or College Prep (6–12) classroom, often with student-teacher ratios of approximately 1:3.

RISE classrooms use a functional curriculum focused on practical academics and the development of daily living, communication, community, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills. Instruction is intended to promote communication, independence, and the generalization of skills in natural settings, while supporting participation in general education activities with typical peers. The aim is to help students transition successfully to adult life in the community.

The Co-Teacher works under the direction and guidance of the facilitator and classroom teachers, supporting students’ education, social development, Individual Education Plans, and participation in activities. The position may include assisting students with daily living needs and accompanying them on school buses at some campuses.

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.
• 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.
• Provide support to individual students inside and outside the classroom so they can fully participate in activities.
• Work with 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 needs in the Life Skills Unit, which may include feeding, lifting, and toileting.
• Accompany students on school buses before or after school when needed at some campuses.

Benefits

• Hourly compensation ranging from $16.61 for 0 years of experience to $23.98; co-teacher earnings are paid over a 12-month period.
• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan 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, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
• Tuition reimbursement of up to 50% of qualifying degree-program tuition, up to $5,250 per year, subject to manager discretion and budget availability.
• Employer-paid mental and behavioral health support, 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.
• 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