Special Education RISE Co-Teacher - IDEA South Flores 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, has at least 48 college hours, seeks challenging work, and wants the opportunity to advance in an education career. RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) Co‑Teachers work with students who have significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities, delivering a functional curriculum that focuses on daily living and vocational skills to support successful transition to adult life. Instruction covers practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure/recreation, and vocational skills within a general‑education school building, emphasizing communication, maximum independence, and skill generalization in natural settings and participation with typical peers. Co‑Teachers support the Special Education‑RISE classroom in the Academy (K‑5) or College Prep (6‑12) with low student‑to‑teacher ratios (often 1 to 3).

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.
• 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 behavior concerns and help them develop appropriate social skills.
• Provide daily‑living assistance, which may include feeding, lifting, and/or toileting in the Life Skills Unit.
• When required, accompany students on school buses before or after school.

Requirements

• Education: Minimum of 48 college hours required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Strongly preferred experience working with children who have cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities.
• Licenses or Certifications: Willingness to pursue a Special Education teaching certification preferred. Co‑Teachers with a bachelor’s degree are eligible for the IDEA Special Education Certification Program (ISECP), an alternative certification facilitated by South Texas Transition to Teaching (SOTEX).
• Knowledge and Skills:
  • Capable of physically assisting students with special needs as required (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.

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 (maximum $5,250 per year) toward a qualifying degree program, 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 to defray moving costs.

Pay

Hourly rate ranges from $16.61 for 0 years of experience up to $23.98, paid over a 12‑month period.

About IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools believes every child can go to college. Since 2000, the network has grown from a single school of 150 students to the fastest‑growing tuition‑free Pre‑K‑12 public charter system in the United States, serving nearly 80,000 college‑bound students across 137 schools in Texas, Florida, and Ohio. IDEA consistently ranks nationally on The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report’s top high‑school lists and aims to send 100 % of its graduates to college. Employees join a collaborative “Team and Family” culture that values high standards of conduct, professionalism, and a shared mission to make college accessible for all.