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

About the role

RISE stands for Reaching Independence through Support and Education. IDEA Special Education RISE teachers ensure that 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. RISE teachers teach all subjects — Reading, Writing, Math, History, Adaptive PE, and others — to students who have intellectual, behavioral, and physical disabilities. They also provide resources, education, training, and emotional support to families so families are prepared for long-term plans for their children.

Pay

• Starting teacher salary for 0 years of experience: $57,500
• Eligible for various stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership ranging from $500–$4,000 each
• Additional performance-based compensation available
• Additional hourly compensation for after-school tutoring or Saturday school as assigned

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: 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
• 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 to defray moving costs, if applicable

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

Responsibilities

• Adapt lessons to meet the needs of students
• Support coordination of related services for students on 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 develop teaching plans
• Collect and analyze student data to make effective decisions to maximize achievement
• Discuss student 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 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 to campus-wide initiatives while developing students’ character and sense of community
• Help shape and develop a school-wide culture that fosters a productive and enthusiastic learning environment
• Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with students and families based on trust, understanding, and respect for their communities
• 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
• Minimum of 40+ hours spent at school per week
• Additional responsibilities may include after-school tutoring or Saturday school based on the needs of scholars

Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversee the daily work and responsibilities of a Special Education Co-Teacher (para-professional) in the RISE classroom.