Special Education Co-Teacher - IDEA Pflugerville Academy (Immediate Opening)

About the role

The Special Education Co‑Teacher position supports IDEA’s RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) program, working with students who have significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities. Co‑teachers help deliver a functional curriculum focused on daily living and vocational skills, fostering independence, communication, and participation in general‑education settings. The role serves either the Academy (K‑5) or College Prep (6‑12) classrooms, typically in low student‑to‑teacher ratios (often 1 to 3).

Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction of the facilitator and classroom teachers.
• Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and monitor student progress.
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable full participation in activities.
• Collaborate with other professionals such as speech therapists, social workers, occupational and physical therapists.
• Assist classroom teachers with maintaining student records.
• Support students with emotional or behavioral concerns and help them develop appropriate social skills.
• Assist with daily living tasks, including feeding, lifting, and toileting in the Life Skills Unit.
• When required, accompany students on school buses before or after school.

Qualifications

• At least 48 college hours required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience working with children who have cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to pursue a Special Education teaching certification; bachelor’s‑degree holders may enroll in the IDEA Special Education Certification Program (ISECP).
• Capability to physically assist students with special needs (positioning, lifting, transferring, restraining).
• Ability to instruct students and manage student behavior.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to a variety of situations in the school environment.

Compensation

Hourly rate ranges from $16.57 for 0 years of experience to $23.30, paid over a 12‑month period.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision plans, with subsidies for spouses/domestic partners and children.
• Paid Family Leave: up to 8 weeks of paid leave for birth or adoption, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
• Tuition Reimbursement: up to 50% of tuition (maximum $5,250 per year) toward a qualifying degree program, subject to manager discretion and budget.
• Employer‑paid mental/behavioral health: 5 face‑to‑face counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and additional work‑life services at no cost.
• Disability and life insurance coverage.
• Parenting benefits and flexible spending account options.
• Generous vacation time and referral bonuses.
• Professional development opportunities.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Potential relocation allowance, if applicable.

About IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools is a network of tuition‑free, Pre‑K‑12 public charter schools dedicated to preparing every student for college. Since 2000, IDEA has grown from 150 students to a system serving nearly 80,000 college‑bound students across 137 schools in Texas, Florida, and Ohio. The organization consistently ranks among the nation’s top high schools and is committed to sending 100% of its graduates to college. Employees join a collaborative “Team and Family” culture that emphasizes core values, high professional standards, and a shared mission of “college for all.”