Special Education RISE Teacher - IDEA Brownsville Academy (Immediate Opening)

About the Role

RISE stands for Reaching Independence through Support and Education. IDEA Special Education RISE teachers ensure that our students who have a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities are held to very high achievement expectations so that they reach their fullest potential. Our IDEA Special Education RISE teachers teach all subjects such as Reading, Writing, Math, History, Adaptive PE, and others to students who have but are not limited to intellectual, behavioral, and physical disabilities. RISE Special Education teachers also provide resources, education, training, and emotional support to the families they serve so families are prepared for long-term plans for their children.

Responsibilities

• Adapt lessons to meet the needs of students
• Support coordination of related services for students on their caseload
• Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for a caseload of students
• Implement IEPs, assess students’ performance, and track their progress
• Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals
• Assess students’ skills to determine their needs and to develop teaching plans
• Collect and analyze student data to make effective decisions to maximize achievement
• Discuss student’s progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators
• Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade and after graduation
• Implement state learning standards and IDEA curricula and assessments to meet ambitious academic expectations
• Submit weekly lesson plans two weeks in advance for feedback
• Implement formal and informal assessments to track each individual student’s progress and learning needs, adjust lesson plans accordingly, and update gradebook weekly
• Communicate students’ progress with student and family on a weekly basis
• Effective facilitation and personal use of technology as a communication and educational tool to improve student achievement and manage work-related tasks
• Implement a clear and consistent behavior management system that aligns with campus-wide initiatives while developing students’ character and sense of community in the classroom
• Help shape and develop a school-wide culture that fosters a productive and enthusiastic learning environment for each student
• Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with students and families based on trust, understanding, and respect for the communities in which they identify
• Host necessary tutoring sessions to meet all students’ needs
• Participate in weekly manager check-ins, grade-level meetings, before and after-school duties, and school-wide meetings and functions
• Engage in summer and year-long district, school, and personal learning and development

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution (required)
• Experience in a Special Education classroom setting with students who have significant disabilities (strongly preferred)
• Valid Texas state certification in Special Education (required)
• Appropriate grade and subject band core content certification(s) or Texas Core Content Competency Worksheet (required)

Skills

• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• 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
• Ability to facilitate Admission, Review, and Dismissal meetings
• Strong family engagement and communication
• Record of results for students who are academically at risk

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan, covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing the majority of 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
• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services
• Dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan
• Relocation allowance may be offered for this role, if applicable

Pay

The starting teacher salary for 0 years of experience is $57,500. This role is eligible for various stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership ranging from $500-$4,000 each. Additional performance-based compensation is also offered. Additional hourly compensation is provided for after-school tutoring or Saturday school as assigned.

About IDEA Public Schools

At IDEA Public Schools, we believe each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to a multi-state network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools. IDEA serves over 80,000 college-bound students in 143 schools across Texas, Florida, Ohio, and is on-track to maintain its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college.