Special Education Teacher - IDEA Edgemere College Prep (24-25)

$48,000 - $48,000/Yr

Unclassified - El Paso, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

El Paso, TX

101-250 employees

About the position

The role of a Special Education Teacher at IDEA Edgemere College Prep is pivotal in ensuring the academic success and support of students with diverse learning needs. These educators are tasked with working closely with students who have a range of disabilities, including learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges. The primary objective is to help these students close educational gaps of two or more years within a single school year, thereby facilitating their progress towards academic proficiency. Special Education teachers serve as a crucial link between the school and the home, fostering communication and collaboration with families to support the highest need students. IDEA Special Education teachers are expected to set ambitious goals for their students and diligently track their progress through data-driven decision-making. They are committed to continuous improvement in their teaching practices, seeking feedback and professional development opportunities to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom. The role requires a strong commitment to IDEA's values, ensuring that every student masters the necessary academic, behavioral, and social skills to succeed in college. In addition to teaching core subjects such as reading, writing, and math, Special Education teachers are responsible for developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to the unique needs of their students. They assess student performance, update IEPs regularly, and communicate progress with parents and other stakeholders. The position demands adaptability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to engage with families to foster a supportive learning environment. Overall, IDEA Special Education teachers play a vital role in shaping the educational experiences of students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the support and resources needed to thrive academically and socially.

Responsibilities

• Adapt lessons to meet the needs of students.
• 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.
• Teach Critical Student Intervention (CSI) small groups consisting of students that are academically at risk in reading and/or math.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution.
• Experience in a Special Education classroom setting strongly preferred.
• Valid Texas state certification in Special Education required.

Nice-to-haves

• Currently pursuing certification or willing to enroll in a certification program.
• Knowledge of core academic subjects assigned.
• 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.

Benefits

• Paid Family Leave: Eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
• 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan.
• 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.