Special Education Teacher - IDEA Bluff Springs Academy (Immediate Opening)

About the Role

IDEA Special Education teachers are responsible for the achievement and support of special education. They develop individualized plans and work with students who have a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. Teachers provide in‑class support for reading, writing, and math, teach content mastery with accommodations, and serve as the crucial bridge between home and school for our highest‑need students and their families.

Compensation

• Starting teacher salary for 0 years of experience: $59,500
• Stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership ranging from $500–$4,000 each
• Additional performance‑based compensation
• Hourly compensation for after‑school tutoring or Saturday school as assigned

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 for birth or adoption, based on tenure and caregiver designation
• Tuition Reimbursement: up to 50% of tuition, maximum $5,250 per year, 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 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, and a 403(b) retirement plan
• Potential relocation allowance to defray moving costs

Service Record Requirement

To ensure compliance with Texas Education Code 21.4031 and accurately verify creditable service, candidates must submit official electronic service records from previous educational employers. These records will be used to validate professional experience and determine creditable years of service and compensation.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year institution (required)
• Experience: Experience in a Special Education classroom setting (strongly preferred)
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid Texas state certification in Special Education (required)
• Knowledge of core academic subjects assigned
• 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
• Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for a caseload of students
• Implement IEPs, assess student performance, and track progress
• Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect progress and goals
• Assess students’ skills to determine needs and develop teaching plans
• Teach small groups of academically at‑risk students in reading and/or math, including general education, 504, RTI, Special Education, and English Language Learners
• Collect and analyze student data to make effective decisions that maximize achievement
• 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
• Implement formal and informal assessments, update gradebook weekly, and adjust lesson plans accordingly
• Communicate student progress with 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 developing student character and community
• Help shape a school‑wide culture that fosters a productive, enthusiastic learning environment
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with students and families based on trust and respect
• Host tutoring sessions 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 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 scholar needs

Supervisory Responsibilities

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