Special Education Teacher - IDEA La Joya College Prep (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools • La Joya, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

IDEA Special Education teachers support the achievement of students with special education needs. They develop individualized plans and work with students who have a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. The role includes in-class support in subjects such as reading, writing, and math, as well as content mastery instruction for students with specified accommodations and service minutes. The teacher also serves as a bridge between home and school for students with high needs and their families.

The teacher adapts instruction, develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), assesses student performance, tracks progress, and updates plans and goals throughout the school year. They collaborate with families and school staff, facilitate Admission, Review and Dismissal meetings, support transitions between grades and after graduation, and help maintain an inclusive, productive classroom and school culture. The role requires at least 40 hours at school per week and may include additional after-school tutoring or Saturday school based on student needs.

The position oversees the daily work and responsibilities of a Special Education Co-Teacher (para-professional) in the RISE classroom. The starting salary for teachers with zero years of experience is $57,500. The role may qualify for stipends, performance-based compensation, additional hourly pay for assigned tutoring or Saturday school, and a relocation allowance if applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year educational institution.
• Valid Texas state certification in Special Education.
• Knowledge of the assigned core academic subject, 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 meetings.
• Strong family engagement and communication skills.
• Record of results for students who are academically at risk.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a Special Education classroom setting is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Adapt lessons to meet students’ needs.
• Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for a caseload of students.
• Implement IEPs, assess student performance, track progress, and update IEPs to reflect progress and goals.
• Assess students’ skills and needs and develop teaching plans.
• Teach small groups of students academically at risk in reading and/or math, including general education, 504, response-to-intervention, Special Education, and English Learner students.
• Collect and analyze student data to make decisions that maximize achievement.
• Discuss student progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators.
• Prepare and help students transition between grades and 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 track individual 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 student achievement and manage work-related tasks.
• Implement a clear, consistent behavior management system aligned with campus 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 relationships with students and families.
• 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.
• Spend a minimum of 40+ hours per week at school.
• Oversee the daily work and responsibilities of a Special Education Co-Teacher (para-professional) in the RISE classroom.
• Perform additional responsibilities such as after-school tutoring or Saturday school as required by scholar needs.

Benefits

• Paid family leave: eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid 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 support, including five face-to-face counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services.
• Medical plan with the majority of the employee premium covered and the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children subsidized.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Parenting benefits.
• Flexible spending account options.
• Generous vacation time.
• Referral bonuses.
• Professional development.
• 403(b) plan.
• Potential relocation allowance, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

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