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

IDEA Public Schools•Midland, TX

2d•$18 - $26•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 stands for Reaching Independence through Support and Education. The program uses a functional curriculum focused on daily living and vocational skills to help students transition successfully to adult life in their communities. Instruction covers practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure and recreation, and vocational skills. Classrooms emphasize communication, independence, generalizing skills in natural settings, and participation in general education activities with typical peers. Co-Teachers support the Special Education RISE classroom in an Academy (K–5) or College Prep (6–12), often working with students at a low student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 1:3. They assist with students’ educational and social development under the direction of the facilitator and classroom teachers, support implementation of Individual Education Plans, and help students participate in classroom and other activities. Duties may include supporting daily living needs such as feeding, lifting, or toileting, and accompanying students on school buses before or after school at some campuses. The position is intended for candidates seeking experience in special education teaching and career advancement. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be eligible to enroll in IDEA’s alternative Special Education Certification Program, with the goal of earning special education certification and becoming a special education teacher 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.
Commitment to IDEA’s mission and values, including accountability, urgency, professionalism, responsiveness to feedback, and collaboration.

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 IDEA’s 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 behavior concerns and help them develop appropriate social skills.
Assist with activities of daily living, which may include feeding, lifting, and toileting in the Life Skills Unit.
At some campuses, accompany students on school bus rides before or after school.

Benefits

Hourly compensation ranging from $17.73 to $25.59, based on experience; hourly co-teacher earnings are paid over a 12-month period.
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, 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 and unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling.
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 to defray moving costs, if applicable.