Special Education RISE Teacher - IDEA Harlingen Academy (2026-2027)

IDEA Public Schools • Harlingen, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) Special Education Teacher at IDEA Public Schools is responsible for ensuring students with a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities reach their fullest potential. This role involves teaching all subjects, including Reading, Writing, Math, History, and Adaptive PE, to students with intellectual, behavioral, and physical disabilities. Additionally, the teacher provides resources, education, training, and emotional support to families to prepare them for long-term plans for their children. The position is for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution
• Experience in a Special Education classroom setting with students who have significant disabilities (strongly preferred)
• Valid Texas state certification in Special Education (required)
• Appropriate grade and subject band core content certification(s) or 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
• Record of results for students who are academically at risk
• 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 the needs of students
• Support coordination of related services for students on their caseload
• Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for a caseload of students
• Implement IEPs, assess students’ performance, and track their progress
• Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals
• Assess students’ skills to determine their needs and to develop teaching plans
• Collect and analyze student data in order to make effective decisions to maximize achievement
• Discuss student’s progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators
• Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade 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
• Implement formal and informal assessments to track each individual student’s progress and learning needs, adjust lesson plans accordingly and update gradebook weekly
• Communicate students’ progress with student and family on a weekly basis
• Effective facilitation and personal use of technology as a communication and educational tool to improve student achievement and manage work related tasks.
• Implement a clear and consistent behavior management system that aligns to campus- wide initiatives while developing students’ character and sense of community in the classroom
• Help shape and develop a school wide culture that fosters a productive and enthusiastic learning environment for each student
• Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with students and families based on trust, understanding and respect for the communities in which they identify.
• Host necessary tutoring sessions to meet all 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.

Benefits

• Starting teacher salary for 0 years of experience is $57,500
• Eligible for various stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership ranging from $500-$4,000 each
• Additional performance-based compensation
• Additional hourly compensation for after school tutoring or Saturday school as assigned
• Comprehensive benefits plan, covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan
• Subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on tenure and caregiver designation
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year
• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions within a 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
• Relocation allowance may be offered

What This Job Offers

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