Special Education RISE Teacher - IDEA Rise 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 instruct 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

• Starting teacher salary for 0 years of experience: $63,500
• Eligible for stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership ($500–$4,000 each)
• Additional performance-based compensation
• Additional hourly compensation for after-school tutoring or Saturday school as assigned
• Relocation allowance may be offered to defray moving costs, if applicable

Candidates selected for this position must submit official electronic service records from previous educational employers to validate professional experience and determine creditable years of service and compensation.

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 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 and life insurance
• Parenting benefits
• Flexible spending account options
• Generous vacation time
• Referral bonuses
• Professional development opportunities
• 403(b) retirement plan

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 (ARD) meetings
• Strong family engagement and communication
• Record of results for students who are academically at-risk
• Effective use of technology as a communication and educational tool

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
• Implement a clear and consistent behavior management system aligned to campus-wide initiatives
• Help shape and develop 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 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 student needs
• Oversee the daily work and responsibilities of a Special Education Co-Teacher (para-professional) in the RISE classroom, if applicable

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 and family committed to ambitious goals, growth, and making college for all a reality.