Co-Teacher - Teacher Resident RISE- IDEA Robinson (Immediate Opening)

About the role

IDEA Teacher Residents serve as full-time teaching residents in IDEA classrooms under the mentorship of top-performing host teachers to gain experience in the classroom through a gradual onramp of responsibility. Additionally, residents will attend weekly evening classes with IDEA’s board-approved certification partner to gain the knowledge and practice the skills of effective teaching. Upon completion of their residency year, IDEA Teacher Residents will obtain their enhanced residency teacher certification from the state of Texas and be eligible for employment in a lead teacher role in IDEA’s Pre-K or Special Education program.

IDEA Special Education RISE Co-Teachers work with students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities. The needs of these students require a functional curriculum focused on the acquisition of daily living and vocational skills leading to a successful transition 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 in a general education school building. The classrooms emphasize communication, maximum independence, and opportunities to generalize skills in natural settings as well as participation in general education activities with typical peers.

IDEA Special Education RISE Co-Teachers support the Special Education–RISE classroom in the Academy (K–5) or College Prep (6–12) as they work with students in lower student–teacher ratios (often 1 to 3) to support their academic needs.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibilities as a full-time co-teacher at IDEA, typically arriving at school at 7:00 AM and leaving around 5:00 PM
• Attend all ACT-RGV evening classes and occasional Saturday school
• Support implementing IDEA curricula and assessments to meet ambitious academic expectations
• Support with grading, lesson planning, preparation of class materials and classroom management
• Track individual student’s progress and learning needs, adjust lesson plans accordingly and update grade book weekly
• Co-teach with the support of your host teacher for at least 21 hours per week during your residency year
• 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
• 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 therapist, social worker, 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
• Assistance of daily living may include feeding, lifting and/or toileting in the Life Skills Unit
• At some campuses, school bus riding to accompany students may be needed before or after school

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year educational institution by May 15, 2026
• Minimum undergraduate GPA, 2.75 or higher (preferred)

Knowledge and Skills

• Make Strategic Decisions: Make informed decisions by gathering reliable information, asking clarifying questions, and evaluating multiple options. Thoughtfully align choices with team objectives, current responsibilities, and the broader mission of the organization.
• Manage Work and Teams: Set clear, measurable goals and regularly reflect on progress, adjusting actions as needed. Prioritize work aligned with goals using a task management system and consistently meet deadlines through effective time management.
• Grow Self and Others: Demonstrate self-awareness by actively seeking and thoughtfully responding to feedback with curiosity and a growth mindset. Identify development areas, implement feedback when appropriate, and pursue opportunities to build knowledge and skills.
• Build a Culture of Trust: Consistently demonstrate self-awareness and emotional intelligence, fostering psychological safety and trust within the team. Build respectful, reliable relationships and engage in direct, compassionate feedback.
• Communicate Deliberately: Communicate clearly and professionally, delivering concise messages tailored to the audience. Actively listen, engage in dialogue by asking and clarifying questions, and follow up to ensure shared understanding.

• Strong time management with experience balancing multiple priorities
• Ability to come back from setbacks and remain positive in the face of challenges
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and ability to adjust to changes and situations within the school environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout the classroom and campus for extended periods (up to 6–8 hours per day)
• Frequent bending and kneeling to assist students at desks, on the floor, or at low workstations
• Lifting up to 50 lbs. occasionally – lifting of heavier materials or assisting students
• Sufficient hearing and ability to communicate clearly with students and staff and to monitor classroom activity in a moderately loud classroom environment (hearing aids are acceptable)
• Ability to supervise students outdoors in varying weather conditions during recess, transitions, drills, and events
• Ability to respond quickly, move rapidly, and assist students during evacuations, lockdowns, or medical emergencies

Compensation

Compensation for this role is set at an hourly rate ranging between $16.57 (0 years of experience) and $23.98. Hourly co-teacher earnings are paid out over a 12-month period.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on tenure and caregiver designation
• Tuition Reimbursement: 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
• IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable