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

IDEA Public Schools•Edinburg, TX

20h

About The Position

The Special Education RISE Co-Teacher supports students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities in K–12 Academy or College Prep classrooms. RISE stands for Reaching Independence through Support and Education. These 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, learning in natural settings, and participation in general education activities with typical peers. Co-Teachers work with students in lower student-teacher ratios, often 1 to 3, and support their academic needs under the direction of classroom teachers and facilitators. The role is paid hourly, with earnings distributed over 12 months.

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 the organization’s mission and to helping students get to and through college.
Demonstrated effective outcomes and results, and willingness to be held accountable.
Propensity for action and willingness to learn and improve through doing.
Ability to work with urgency and purpose to drive student outcomes.
Comfort working in a high-growth environment with ambiguity and change.
Willingness to seek and respond to feedback, and build cross-departmental relationships.
Professional conduct and behavior that models high standards for colleagues and students.

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.
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 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, or toileting in the Life Skills Unit.
At some campuses, ride school buses with students before or after school as needed.

Benefits

Paid family leave of up to 8 weeks for eligible staff, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
Tuition reimbursement of up to 50% of tuition for a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 per year, subject to manager discretion and budget availability.
Employer-paid mental and behavioral health services, including five face-to-face counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephone counseling, and other work-life services.
Medical plan with the majority of the employee premium covered and the majority of costs subsidized for a spouse or domestic partner and children.
Dental and vision plans.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Parenting benefits.
Flexible spending account options.
Vacation time.
Referral bonuses.
Professional development.
403(b) plan.
Relocation allowance may be offered to defray moving costs, if applicable.