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

IDEA Public Schools•Edinburg, TX

About The Position

The Special Education RISE Teacher at IDEA Quest College Prep teaches students with a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities, maintaining high achievement expectations so students can reach their fullest potential. RISE stands for Reaching Independence through Support and Education. Teachers deliver instruction across subjects including reading, writing, math, history, and adaptive PE, and support students with intellectual, behavioral, and physical disabilities. They also provide families with resources, education, training, and emotional support to help them prepare for their children's long-term needs. The role includes adapting instruction, coordinating related services, developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), assessing student performance, analyzing data, and communicating regularly with students and families. Teachers help students transition between grades and after graduation, implement state learning standards and IDEA curricula, manage classroom behavior, and contribute to a productive school culture. The position includes at least 40 hours at school per week, weekly meetings and check-ins, school duties and functions, and ongoing professional learning. Additional duties may include after-school tutoring or Saturday school. The teacher oversees the daily work 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.
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.
Willingness to be accountable for outcomes, act with urgency and purpose, and respond well to frequent feedback.
Ability to work in a high-growth environment with ambiguity and change, and to build cross-departmental relationships.
Professional conduct and behavior that models high standards 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, implement, and update Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for caseload students.
Assess students' performance and skills, track progress, 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 individual student progress and learning needs, adjust lesson plans, and update the gradebook weekly.
Communicate student progress to students and families weekly.
Use technology as a communication and educational tool to improve achievement and 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 shape and 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 for their communities.
Host tutoring sessions as needed 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.
Perform additional duties such as after-school tutoring or Saturday school based on scholar needs.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits plan, with the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan covered and the majority of spouse/domestic partner and children's costs 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 per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services.
Dental and vision plans.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Parenting benefits.
Flexible spending account options.
Generous vacation time.
Referral bonuses.
Professional development.
403(b) plan.
Possible relocation allowance to defray moving costs, if applicable.
Additional hourly compensation for assigned after-school tutoring or Saturday school.
Performance-based compensation and role-eligible stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership.