K-5th Special Education Teacher Pool - IDEA Lower Rio Grande Valley Region

What We Offer

Compensation:

• The starting teacher salary for 0 years of experience is $56,500. This role is eligible for various stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership ranging from $500-$4,000 each. We also offer opportunities and incentives through our Teacher Career Pathway with the potential to earn up to $10,000 in additional compensation. For more information about our compensation and total rewards, visit our compensation and benefits page.

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

• 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.
• Employee-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to‑to‑face counseling sessions within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work‑life services available at no cost.

Other benefits include 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. IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year educational institution.
• Experience:
  
  Experience in a Special Education classroom setting.
• Licenses or
  
  Certifications:
  
  Valid Texas state certification in Special Education required.

Knowledge and

Skills:

• Knowledge of core academic subject 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.

Special Education Teacher 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 small groups consisting of students that are academically at risk in reading and/or math to include students in general education, 504, response‑to‑intervention, Special Education and English Language Learners.
• 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.
• Effective facilitation and personal use of technology as a communication and educational tool to improve student achievement and manage work related tasks.
• 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…