Special Education RISE Co Teacher - IDEA Achieve College Prep (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. The role focuses on functional curriculum that builds daily living and vocational skills to facilitate successful transition to adult life. Co‑teachers work in K‑12 classrooms (Academy K‑5 or College Prep 6‑12) with low student‑to‑teacher ratios (often 1 to 3) and collaborate with general education peers.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the guidance of the facilitator and classroom teachers.
• Implement and monitor Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
• Provide individualized support inside and outside the classroom to enable full participation in activities.
• Collaborate with speech therapists, social workers, occupational and physical therapists.
• Maintain student records and support classroom teachers with documentation.
• Address emotional or behavioral concerns and help students develop appropriate social skills.
• Assist with daily living tasks in the Life Skills Unit, including feeding, lifting, and toileting.
• Occasionally accompany students on school buses before or after school, as needed.

Qualifications

• At least 48 college credit hours; 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 (preferred).
• Physical ability to assist students with positioning, lifting, transferring, and restraining as required.
• Ability to instruct students and manage student behavior.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Adaptability to a variety of situations within the school environment.

Compensation

Hourly rate ranges from $17.73 (0 years experience) to $25.59, paid over a 12‑month period.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plan with majority of employee premium covered; subsidies for spouse/domestic partner and children.
• Paid Family Leave: up to 8 weeks for birth or adoption, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
• Tuition Reimbursement: up to 50% of tuition (maximum $5,250 per year) for qualifying degree programs, 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.
• Dental and vision plans, disability and life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending accounts.
• Generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development opportunities, and a 403(b) retirement plan.
• Potential relocation allowance, if applicable.

About IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools is a tuition‑free, Pre‑K‑12 public charter network dedicated to ensuring every child can attend college. Since 2000, IDEA has grown to 137 schools across Texas, Florida, and Ohio, serving nearly 80,000 college‑bound students. The organization consistently ranks among top high schools nationally and aims for 100 % of graduates to enroll in college. IDEA emphasizes a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging, guided by core values that promote human connection and professional excellence.