Special Education RISE Teacher - IDEA Lake Houston Academy (Immediate Opening)

About the Role

IDEA Special Education RISE teachers ensure that students with a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities are held to high achievement expectations to reach their fullest potential. RISE Special Education teachers teach all subjects—such as Reading, Writing, Math, History, and Adaptive PE—to students with intellectual, behavioral, and physical disabilities. They also provide resources, education, training, and emotional support to families to prepare them for long-term plans for their children.

Compensation

The starting teacher salary for 0 years of experience is $64,000. This role is eligible for various stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership ranging from $500 to $4,000 each. Additional performance-based compensation is offered. After-school tutoring or Saturday school assignments provide extra hourly compensation.

To comply with Texas Education Code 21.4031, selected candidates must submit official electronic service records from previous educational employers to validate professional experience and determine creditable years of service.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing 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 for 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, and professional development.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Relocation allowance may be offered to defray moving costs, if applicable.

Requirements

• 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 their caseload.
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for a caseload of students.
• Assess students’ performance, track progress, and update IEPs throughout the school year.
• Collect and analyze student data 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.
• Submit weekly lesson plans two weeks in advance for feedback.
• Implement formal and informal assessments, adjust lesson plans, and update gradebook weekly.
• Communicate students’ progress with families on a weekly basis.
• Use technology effectively to improve student achievement and manage work-related tasks.
• Implement a clear and consistent behavior management system aligned with campus-wide initiatives.
• Help shape a school-wide culture fostering a productive and enthusiastic learning environment.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students and families.
• 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 functions.
• Engage in summer and year-long district, school, and personal learning and development.
• Spend a minimum of 40+ hours at school per week.
• Additional responsibilities may include after-school tutoring or Saturday school based on student needs.

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

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 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, 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.