Special Education RISE Teacher - IDEA Rio Vista Academy

Overview

Role Mission: RISE stands for Reaching Independence through Support and Education. IDEA Special Education RISE teachers ensure that our students with the most significant disabilities are held to very high achievement expectations so that they reach their fullest potential. They provide resources, education, training and emotional support to families so they are prepared for long-term plans for their children. All IDEA teachers are responsible for ensuring that every IDEA student masters the academic, behavioral and social skills necessary to succeed in college, while embodying IDEA’s values daily.

Teachers set ambitious goals for student achievement and track student data to drive effective educational programming decisions. They seek feedback and continually develop their teaching practice to better serve IDEA students.

Compensation: The starting teacher salary for 0 years of experience is $58,500. This role is eligible for stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership ranging from $500-$4,000 each. Opportunities through the Teacher Career Pathway can add up to $10,000 in additional compensation. For more information, visit our compensation and benefits page.

• Additional hourly compensation is provided for after-school tutoring or Saturday school as assigned.

Other Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children. Benefits include:

• Paid Family Leave: up to 8 weeks for birth or adoption (based on tenure and caregiver designation).
• Tuition Reimbursement: up to 50% of tuition toward a qualifying degree, up to $5,250 per year (subject to discretion and budget).
• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services at no cost.

Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending accounts, vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. IDEA may offer relocation assistance if applicable.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year institution.

Experience: Experience in a Special Education classroom with students who have significant disabilities strongly preferred.

Licenses/Certifications: Valid Texas state certification in Special Education and core content areas required. If pursuing certification or willing to enroll in a certification program, apply now. IDEA offers the IDEA Special Education Certification Program (ISECP) and an alternative certification program via SOTEX.

• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to instruct students and manage behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to adapt to diverse school situations
• Ability to facilitate Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings
• Strong family engagement and communication
• Track record of improving outcomes for students at academic risk

Special Education Teacher Responsibilities:

• Adapt lessons to meet student needs
• Coordinate related services for students on caseload
• Develop IEPs for a caseload of students
• Implement IEPs, assess progress, and track progress
• Update IEPs as progress and goals change
• Assess student needs and develop teaching plans
• Collect and analyze student data to maximize achievement
• Discuss progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators
• Prepare and support transitions 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
• Use formal and informal assessments to track progress, adjust plans, and update gradebook weekly
• Communicate students’ progress weekly to students and families
• Leverage technology to communicate and improve student achievement
• Establish a clear behavior management system aligned to campus initiatives
• Foster a school-wide culture that supports a productive learning environment
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