Special Education Co-Teacher - IDEA Yukon College Prep (Immediate Opening)

About the Role

The Special Education Co-Teacher position is ideal for a candidate looking to gain valuable experience in Special Education teaching. This role supports students with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities through a functional curriculum focused on daily living and vocational skills, leading to a successful transition to adult life within the community.

IDEA Special Education RISE Co-Teachers work in K-12 classrooms providing instruction in practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure/recreation, and vocational skills. The role emphasizes communication, independence, and opportunities to generalize skills in natural settings, as well as participation in general education activities with typical peers. Co-Teachers support the Special Education-RISE classroom in lower student-teacher ratios (often 1:3) to address academic needs.

Responsibilities

• 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 (IEPs) for students and monitor their progress.
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside of the classroom to enable full participation in activities.
• Work 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 assist in developing appropriate social skills.
• Assist with daily living activities, which may include feeding, lifting, and/or toileting in the Life Skills Unit.
• At some campuses, accompany students on school bus rides before or after school.

Qualifications

• At least 48 college hours required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience working with children with cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities strongly preferred.
• Willingness to pursue a Special Education teaching certification preferred.
• IDEA Co-Teachers with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to enroll in the IDEA Special Education Certification Program (ISECP), an alternative certification program facilitated by South Texas Transition to Teaching (SOTEX).

Skills

• Capable of physically assisting students with special needs (positioning, lifting, transferring, restraining).
• 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.
• Believes in the mission of college readiness for all students and is committed to being an agent of change.
• Demonstrates effective outcomes, accountability, and a propensity for action.
• Works with urgency and purpose to drive student outcomes.
• Thrives in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment and is comfortable with ambiguity and change.
• Seeks and responds well to feedback.
• Works through silos and forges strong cross-departmental relationships.

Benefits

• 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.
• Paid Family Leave: Eligible staff may receive 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 per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services at no cost.
• Dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, and flexible spending account options.
• Generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan.
• Relocation allowance may be offered to defray moving costs, if applicable.

Pay

Hourly rate ranging from $17.73 (0 years of experience) to $25.59. Earnings are paid out over a 12-month period.

About IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools is a network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools committed to ensuring all students are capable of getting to and through college. Since 2000, IDEA has grown to serve nearly 80,000 college-bound students across Texas, Florida, and Ohio, with a legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college. The organization is nationally ranked on The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report’s top high schools lists.