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

IDEA Public Schools•Houston, TX

93d

About The Position

IDEA Special Education RISE teachers help students with a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities meet high achievement expectations and reach their fullest potential. RISE teachers teach subjects including Reading, Writing, Math, History, and Adaptive PE to students with intellectual, behavioral, and physical disabilities. They also provide families with resources, education, training, and emotional support to help them prepare long-term plans for their children. The teacher adapts instruction to students’ needs, develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), assesses and tracks student progress, and coordinates related services. The position includes regular communication with students and families, collaboration with parents and school staff, and support for student transitions between grades and after graduation. Teachers use IDEA curricula, state learning standards, assessments, and technology to promote achievement and manage work-related tasks. The role also involves classroom behavior management, family engagement, tutoring, participation in school meetings and duties, and ongoing professional learning. The teacher oversees the daily work of a Special Education Co-Teacher (para-professional) in the RISE classroom. The position requires spending at least 40 hours per week at school; additional tutoring or Saturday school may be assigned.

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 range of situations in the school environment.
Ability to facilitate Admission, Review and Dismissal meetings.
Strong family engagement and communication skills.
Record of results for students who are academically at risk.
Commitment to IDEA’s mission and the belief that all students can get to and through college.
Ability to work with urgency and purpose, respond well to feedback, adapt to change and ambiguity, and build cross-departmental relationships.
Commitment to professional conduct and serving as a positive model for colleagues and students.
Minimum of 40+ hours spent at school per week.

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 Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for a caseload of students.
Implement IEPs, assess student performance, and track progress.
Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals.
Assess students’ skills to determine needs and develop teaching plans.
Collect and analyze student data to make effective decisions that maximize achievement.
Discuss student progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators.
Prepare students for transitions between grades and after graduation.
Implement state learning standards and 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 learning needs, adjust lesson plans accordingly, and update the gradebook weekly.
Communicate student progress to students and families weekly.
Use technology effectively as a communication and educational tool to improve student achievement and manage work-related tasks.
Implement a clear and 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 relationships with students and families based on trust, understanding, and respect.
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.
Oversee the daily work and responsibilities of a Special Education Co-Teacher (para-professional) in the RISE classroom.
Carry out additional responsibilities such as after-school tutoring or Saturday school as assigned based on scholars’ needs.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits plan, with IDEA 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 services, including five face-to-face counseling sessions per 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.
403(b) plan.
Relocation allowance may be offered, if applicable.
Additional hourly compensation for assigned after-school tutoring or Saturday school.
Performance-based compensation and potential stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership.