Special Education RISE Teacher - IDEA Mays College Prep (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 very high achievement expectations so they reach their fullest potential. Teachers deliver all subjects—including Reading, Writing, Math, History, Adaptive PE, and others—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.

Responsibilities

• Adapt lessons to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Support coordination of related services for students on the caseload.
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for a caseload of students.
• Assess student performance, track progress, and update IEPs throughout the school year.
• Collect and analyze student data to make effective instructional decisions.
• Discuss student progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators.
• Prepare and help students transition between grades and after graduation.
• Implement state learning standards and IDEA curricula and assessments.
• Submit weekly lesson plans two weeks in advance for feedback.
• Use formal and informal assessments to track individual progress and adjust lesson plans; update gradebook weekly.
• Communicate student progress to students and families on a weekly basis.
• Utilize technology as a communication and educational tool to improve achievement and manage tasks.
• Implement a clear, consistent behavior‑management system aligned with campus‑wide initiatives while fostering character and community.
• Help shape a school‑wide culture that promotes a productive, enthusiastic learning environment.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with students and families based on trust and respect.
• Host tutoring sessions as needed to meet all students’ needs.
• Participate in weekly manager check‑ins, grade‑level meetings, before/after‑school duties, and school‑wide meetings and functions.
• Engage in summer and year‑long district, school, and personal professional development.
• Spend a minimum of 40+ hours at school per week.
• Oversee the daily work of a Special Education Co‑Teacher (para‑professional) in the RISE classroom, if applicable.
• Additional responsibilities may include after‑school tutoring or Saturday school based on scholar needs.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year institution (required).
• Experience: Experience in a Special Education classroom setting with students who have significant disabilities (strongly preferred).
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid Texas state certification in Special Education (required); appropriate grade and subject‑band core content certification(s) or Texas Core Content Competency Worksheet (required).
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
• Ability to instruct students and manage student behavior.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment.
• Ability to facilitate Admission, Review, and Dismissal meetings.
• Strong family engagement and communication skills.
• Record of results for academically at‑risk students.

Compensation

• Starting teacher salary for 0 years of experience: $59,500.
• Stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership ranging from $500 to $4,000 each.
• Additional performance‑based compensation.
• Hourly compensation for after‑school tutoring or Saturday school as assigned.
• Service record verification required to determine creditable years of service and applicable compensation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of employee premiums for the base medical plan and subsidizing most costs 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) for qualifying degree programs, subject to manager discretion and budget.
• Employer‑paid mental/behavioral health: 5 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 and flexible spending account options.
• Generous vacation time and referral bonuses.
• Professional development opportunities.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Potential relocation allowance to defray moving costs, if applicable.

Schedule

• Minimum of 40+ hours spent at school per week.
• Additional hours for after‑school tutoring or Saturday school as assigned.
• Participation in weekly manager check‑ins, grade‑level meetings, and school‑wide meetings and functions.