Special Education RISE Co-Teacher - IDEA Weslaco Pike Academy (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 successful transition to adult life. These K-12 classrooms provide instruction in practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure/recreation, and vocational skills in a general education school building. The role emphasizes communication, independence, and generalization of skills in natural settings, as well as participation in general education activities with typical peers.

IDEA Special Education RISE Co-Teachers support the Special Education-RISE classroom in the Academy (K-5) or College Prep (6-12) with lower student-teacher ratios (often 1 to 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 behavior 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

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). The goal of the program is for all participants to gain a special education certification and become future special education teachers at IDEA.

Benefits

• 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.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans (majority of employee premium covered; subsidized costs for spouse/domestic partner and children).
• Disability and life insurance.
• Parenting benefits and flexible spending account options.
• Generous vacation time and referral bonuses.
• Professional development opportunities.
• 403(b) retirement plan.

IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray moving costs for this role, if applicable.

Pay

Compensation for this role is set at an hourly rate ranging from $16.00 (0 years of experience) to $23.00. Hourly co-teachers' earnings are paid out over a 12-month period.

About IDEA Public Schools

At IDEA Public Schools, we believe every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA has grown from a small school with 150 students to the fastest-growing network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools in the United States. IDEA serves nearly 80,000 college-bound students across Texas, Florida, and Ohio, with a legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college.

When you join IDEA, you become part of a team committed to ambitious goals, growth, and making college for all a reality. The Staff Experience Team promotes human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all team members.