K-5th Special Education RISE Co-Teacher Applicant Pool - IDEA Lower Rio Grande Valley Region (24-25)

$45,344 - $45,344/Yr

IDEA Public Schools - Weslaco, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Weslaco, TX

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Special Education RISE Co-Teacher position at IDEA Public Schools is designed for individuals seeking to gain valuable experience in the field of Special Education. This role is particularly suited for candidates who have completed at least 48 college hours and are eager to engage in challenging work that offers opportunities for career advancement. The RISE program, which stands for Reaching Independence through Support and Education, focuses on supporting students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities. These students require a functional curriculum that emphasizes the acquisition of daily living and vocational skills, ultimately aiding their transition to adult life within the community. In this role, Special Education RISE Co-Teachers will work in K-12 classrooms that provide instruction in practical academics, communication, community engagement, domestic skills, leisure/recreation, and vocational training. The classrooms are designed to promote communication, maximum independence, and the generalization of skills in natural settings, while also allowing participation in general education activities alongside typical peers. Co-Teachers will support the Special Education-RISE classroom in either the Academy (K-5) or College Prep (6-12) settings, working with lower student-teacher ratios (often 1 to 3) to address the academic needs of students effectively. IDEA Public Schools is committed to fostering an environment where all students can thrive and achieve their potential. The organization emphasizes the importance of collaboration among educators and specialists to ensure that each student receives the support they need to succeed. This position not only provides a platform for professional growth but also allows individuals to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the facilitator and classroom teachers.
• Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans for the students and monitor their progress.
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside of the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
• Work with other professionals, such as speech therapists, social workers, occupational and physical therapists.
• Assist classroom teachers with maintaining student records.
• Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
• Assist with daily living tasks, which may include feeding, lifting, and/or toileting in the Life Skills Unit.
• Accompany students on school buses before or after school, if needed.

Requirements

• At least 48 college hours required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience working with children with cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities strongly preferred.
• Willingness to pursue a Special Education teaching certification preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to instruct students and manage student behavior.
• Capable of physically assisting students with special needs as required (positioning, lifting, transferring, restraining).
• Ability to adjust and adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a classroom setting with special education students.
• Familiarity with Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Knowledge of behavioral management techniques.

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 their tenure with the organization and caregiver designation.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Staff members may apply for up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year subject to manager discretion and budget availability.
• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services available at no cost.
• Dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan.
• Potential relocation allowance to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.