Special Education RISE Teacher- IDEA McAllen Academy (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools•McAllen, TX

20d

About The Position

IDEA Special Education RISE teachers support students with a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities, maintaining high achievement expectations so students can reach their fullest potential. Teachers provide instruction across subjects including Reading, Writing, Math, History, and Adaptive PE, and support students with intellectual, behavioral, and physical disabilities. They also provide resources, education, training, and emotional support to families to help them prepare long-term plans for their children. The teacher develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), adapts instruction, assesses student performance, and tracks progress and learning needs. The role includes coordinating related services, communicating regularly with families and colleagues, facilitating Admission, Review and Dismissal meetings, and supporting student transitions between grades and after graduation. Teachers implement state learning standards and IDEA curricula and assessments, foster a consistent behavior-management system and positive classroom culture, and use technology to support communication, instruction, and work tasks. The position requires at least 40 hours at school per week and includes weekly check-ins, grade-level meetings, duties before and after school, school-wide functions, and ongoing professional learning. Additional duties may include after-school tutoring or Saturday school, based on student needs. The teacher oversees the daily work and responsibilities of a Special Education Co-Teacher (para-professional) in the RISE classroom.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year educational institution.
Valid Texas state certification in Special Education.
Appropriate grade- and subject-band core content certification(s) or a Texas Core Content Competency Worksheet.
Knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
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.
Ability to facilitate Admission, Review and Dismissal meetings.
Strong family engagement and communication skills.
A record of results for students who are academically at risk.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a Special Education classroom setting with students who have significant disabilities.

Responsibilities

Adapt lessons to meet students’ needs.
Support coordination of related services for students on the teacher’s caseload.
Develop, implement, and update Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), reflecting students’ progress and goals.
Assess students’ skills, performance, progress, and learning needs to develop and adjust teaching plans.
Collect and analyze student data to make effective decisions that maximize achievement.
Discuss student progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators.
Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade and after graduation.
Implement state learning standards, IDEA curricula, and assessments to meet ambitious academic expectations.
Submit weekly lesson plans two weeks in advance for feedback.
Use formal and informal assessments to track each student’s progress and needs, adjust lesson plans, and update the gradebook weekly.
Communicate each student’s progress with the student and family weekly.
Use technology effectively as a communication and educational tool and to manage work-related tasks.
Implement a clear, consistent behavior-management system aligned with campus-wide initiatives while developing students’ character and sense of community.
Help develop a school-wide culture that fosters a productive and enthusiastic learning environment.
Establish and maintain cooperative, respectful working relationships with students and families.
Host necessary tutoring sessions to meet students’ needs.
Participate in weekly manager check-ins, grade-level meetings, before- and after-school duties, and school-wide meetings and functions.
Engage in summer and year-long district, school, and personal learning and development.
Spend a minimum of 40+ hours at school per week.
Perform additional responsibilities, which may include after-school tutoring or Saturday school based on scholars’ needs.
Oversee the daily work and responsibilities of a Special Education Co-Teacher (para-professional) in the RISE classroom.

Benefits

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 tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, 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 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.
A 403(b) plan.
A relocation allowance may be offered to defray moving costs, if applicable.
Additional hourly compensation for assigned after-school tutoring or Saturday school.
Stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership, ranging from $500 to $4,000 each.
Additional performance-based compensation.