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

IDEA Public Schools•Brownsville, TX

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education RISE Co-Teacher supports students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities in a K–12 classroom at an Academy (K–5) or College Prep (6–12). RISE stands for Reaching Independence through Support and Education. The classrooms use a functional curriculum focused on daily living and vocational skills to help students transition successfully to adult life in the community. Instruction includes practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills. Classrooms emphasize communication, independence, skill generalization in natural settings, and participation in general education activities with typical peers. Co-Teachers support students in lower student-teacher ratios, often 1:3, and work under the direction and guidance of facilitators and classroom teachers. The position is designed for candidates seeking experience in special education teaching, including candidates with at least 48 college hours who are interested in advancing their education careers. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be eligible to enroll in IDEA’s Special Education Certification Program, an alternative certification program intended to help participants earn special education certification and become future special education teachers at IDEA. Compensation is hourly, ranging from $16.00 for zero years of experience to $23.00. Co-Teacher earnings are paid over a 12-month period. IDEA offers a comprehensive 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 special education teaching certification preferred.
Candidates 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 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 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

Medical plan, with the employer covering the majority of the employee premium for the base plan and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children.
Eligible staff may receive up to eight 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, capped at $5,250 per year and 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 help defray moving costs, if applicable.