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

About the role

The Special Education Co‑Teacher position supports the RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) program, working with students who have significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities. The role focuses on a functional curriculum that builds daily living and vocational skills to facilitate successful transition to adult life in the community. Instruction covers practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure/recreation, and vocational skills within a general‑education school setting. Co‑teachers work in the Academy (K‑5) or College Prep (6‑12) classrooms, often with a low student‑to‑teacher ratio (as low as 1:3), emphasizing communication, maximum independence, and skill generalization in natural settings and participation with typical peers.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction of the facilitator and classroom teachers.
• Support the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and monitor student progress.
• Provide individualized support inside and outside the classroom to enable full participation in activities.
• Collaborate with 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 develop appropriate social skills.
• Assist with daily living tasks, including feeding, lifting, and toileting in the Life Skills Unit.
• Transport students on school buses before or after school at some campuses, as needed.

Requirements

• Education: Minimum of 48 college credit hours required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Prior experience working with children who have cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications: Willingness to pursue a Special Education teaching certification is preferred. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may enroll in the IDEA Special Education Certification Program (ISECP), an alternative certification pathway facilitated by South Texas Transition to Teaching (SOTEX).

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to physically assist students with special needs (positioning, lifting, transferring, restraining) as required.
• Capability to instruct students and manage student behavior effectively.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to a variety of situations within the school environment.

Pay

Hourly compensation ranges from $17.73 (for 0 years of experience) up to $25.59. Earnings are paid out over a 12‑month period.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of employee premiums for the base medical plan, with subsidies for spouse/domestic partner 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 for a qualifying degree program, capped at $5,250 per year, subject to manager discretion and budget.
• Employer‑paid mental/behavioral health: Five 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 account options.
• Generous vacation time.
• 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 ensuring every child can attend college. Since 2000, IDEA has grown from 150 students to a network serving nearly 80,000 college‑bound students across 137 schools in Texas, Florida, and Ohio. The organization consistently ranks among top high schools nationally and aims for 100% of its graduates to attend college. Employees join a team and family that values high standards of conduct, professionalism, and a shared mission to make college accessible for all.