Special Education Teacher - IDEA Bluff Springs Academy (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools•Austin, TX

About The Position

IDEA Special Education teachers support the achievement of students with special education needs. They develop individualized plans and work with students with a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. The role includes providing in-class support in subjects such as reading, writing, and math, and teaching content mastery to students receiving specified accommodations and service-minute support. The teacher also serves as a bridge between home and school for students with high needs and their families. This position is funded by the IDEA B Grant. Continued funding and employment are not guaranteed; the employee will work 100% on activities allowable under the grant and must complete a time-and-effort report. The position requires at least 40 hours at school per week. Additional duties may include after-school tutoring or Saturday school, as assigned and based on student needs. The teacher develops and implements IEPs, assesses and tracks student progress, adapts instruction, communicates regularly with students and families, and collaborates with school staff. The role may oversee the daily work of a Special Education Co-Teacher (paraprofessional) in the RISE classroom.

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.
Commitment to IDEA’s mission that all students are capable of getting to and through college, and willingness to be accountable for outcomes.
Ability to take action, learn from mistakes, and improve quickly.
Ability to work with urgency and purpose, adapt to ambiguity and change, respond to feedback, and build cross-departmental relationships.
Commitment to professionalism and high standards of conduct and behavior.
At least 40 hours at school per week.
Submit official electronic service records from previous educational employers if selected, for verification of creditable service and compensation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a Special Education classroom setting.

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 to 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 inform decisions that maximize achievement.
Discuss student progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators.
Prepare and support students transitioning 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 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, respectful relationships with students and families.
Host tutoring sessions as needed to meet student 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 (paraprofessional) in the RISE classroom, if applicable.
Perform additional duties such as after-school tutoring or Saturday school when assigned and based on scholar needs.

Benefits

Starting teacher salary of $59,500 for 0 years of experience; role may qualify for stipends of $500–$4,000 each based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership, as well as additional performance-based compensation.
Additional hourly compensation for after-school tutoring or Saturday school as assigned.
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, subject to tenure and caregiver designation.
Tuition reimbursement of up to 50% of qualifying tuition, capped at $5,250 per year, 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.
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, if applicable.