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

IDEA Public Schools • Edinburg, TX

1d • Onsite

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. They teach subjects including reading, writing, math, history, and adaptive physical education, and provide resources, education, training, and emotional support to families to help them plan for their children’s long-term needs.

The teacher adapts instruction to students’ needs, develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), assesses and tracks student progress, and collaborates with students, families, teachers, counselors, and administrators. The role also involves supporting a Special Education Co-Teacher (para-professional), participating in meetings and school activities, and contributing to a productive, inclusive learning environment. The position requires at least 40 hours per week at school; additional tutoring or Saturday school may be assigned based on student needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year educational institution.
• Valid Texas state certification in Special Education.
• 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 varied situations in the school environment.
• Ability to facilitate Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings.
• Strong family engagement and communication skills.
• Record of results for students who are academically at risk.
• Commitment to IDEA’s mission and belief that all students are capable of getting to and through college.
• Demonstrated effective outcomes and results, and willingness to be accountable for them.
• Propensity for action, urgency, and learning through doing.
• Ability to thrive in a high-growth environment and adapt to ambiguity and change.
• Ability to seek and respond well to frequent feedback and build cross-departmental relationships.
• Professional conduct and behavior that serves as a model for colleagues and students.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a Special Education classroom setting with students who have significant disabilities (strongly preferred).
• Appropriate grade- and subject-band core content certification(s) or a Texas Core Content Competency Worksheet.

Responsibilities

• Adapt lessons to meet students’ needs.
• Support coordination of related services for students on the teacher’s caseload.
• Develop, implement, and update IEPs for students on the caseload.
• Assess student performance, skills, and needs; track progress and develop teaching plans.
• Collect and analyze student data to inform decisions that maximize achievement.
• Discuss student progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators.
• Help students transition between grades and prepare for life after graduation.
• Implement state learning standards, IDEA curricula, and assessments to meet academic expectations.
• Submit weekly lesson plans two weeks in advance for feedback.
• Use formal and informal assessments to monitor individual progress and learning needs, adjust lesson plans, and update the gradebook weekly.
• Communicate student progress to students and families weekly.
• Use technology for communication, instruction, student achievement, and work-related tasks.
• Implement a consistent behavior management system aligned with campus initiatives and develop students’ character and sense of community.
• Help develop a school-wide culture that fosters productive and enthusiastic learning.
• Build cooperative relationships with students and families based on trust, understanding, and respect.
• 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.
• Participate 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.
• Provide resources, education, training, and emotional support to families.

Benefits

• Starting teacher salary of $57,500 for 0 years of experience.
• Stipends of $500–$4,000 each based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership.
• Additional performance-based compensation.
• Additional hourly compensation for assigned after-school tutoring or Saturday school.
• 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, with a maximum of $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.
• 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, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level