Special Education RISE Co-Teacher - IDEA Pflugerville Academy

Role Mission:
The Special Education Co-Teacher position is ideal for candidates seeking valuable experience in Special Education teaching. This role is suitable for individuals with at least 48 college hours who desire challenging work and opportunities for career advancement. RISE stands for Reaching Independence through Support and Education. IDEA Special Education RISE Co-Teachers work with students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities, focusing on a functional curriculum that emphasizes daily living and vocational skills to facilitate successful transitions to adult life within the community.

These K-12 classrooms provide instruction in practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure/recreation, and vocational skills, utilizing a functional curriculum within a general education school building. The classrooms emphasize communication, independence, and the generalization of skills in natural settings, along with participation in general education activities alongside typical peers. IDEA Special Education RISE Co-Teachers support the classroom in the Academy (K-5) or College Prep (6-12), working with students in low student-teacher ratios (often 1:3) to meet their academic needs.

Compensation:

• Hourly rate between $16.57 (for 0 years of experience) and $23.30.
• Hourly earnings are paid over a 12-month period.

Other Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, covering the majority of employee premiums for the base medical plan and subsidizing costs for spouses, domestic partners, and children.

Some of the benefits include:

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

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

• Education:
  
  At least 48 college hours required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
  
  Experience working with children with cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Licenses or
  
  Certifications:
  
  Willingness to pursue a Special Education teaching certification is preferred. IDEA Co-Teachers with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to enroll in the IDEA Special Education Certification Program (ISECP), an alternative certification facilitated by South Texas Transition to Teaching (SOTEX), aiming for all participants to become certified special education teachers at IDEA.

Knowledge and

Skills:

• Ability to physically assist students with needs such as positioning, lifting, transferring, and restraining.
• Ability to instruct students and manage behavior effectively.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt to various situations in the school environment.

• Assist in students' educational and social development under the guidance of facilitators and classroom teachers.
• Implement and monitor progress on Individual Education Plans.
• Support students inside and outside the classroom to enable full participation.
• Collaborate with professionals like speech therapists, social workers, occupational, and physical therapists.
• Maintain student records and support emotional and behavioral development.
• Assist with daily living activities such as feeding, lifting, and toileting in the Life Skills Unit.
• May need to accompany students on school bus rides before or after school at some campuses.

We seek team members who embody these values:

• Commitment to our mission and belief that all students can succeed in college.
• Proven effective outcomes and accountability.
• Propensity for action, willingness to learn from mistakes.
• Work with urgency and purpose to improve student outcomes.
• Comfort with ambiguity and change in a high-growth environment.
• Openness to feedback and collaboration across departments.
• Adherence to high standards of professionalism and conduct.

Since 2000, IDEA has grown from 150 students to the largest network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools in the U.S., serving nearly 80,000 students across multiple states. We are committed to college readiness for all students and fostering a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging among our staff and students. Learn more about our commitment to our core values here.

To apply, submit your application online through Jobvite as soon as possible.