Special Education Teacher - IDEA Horizon Vista College Prep (26-27)

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. These teachers provide in-class support for subjects like reading, writing, and math, and teach content mastery for students with outlined accommodations and service minutes support. They also serve as a crucial bridge between home and school for high-need students and their families.

Responsibilities

• Adapt lessons to meet the needs of students.
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for a caseload of students.
• Assess students’ performance, track their progress, and update IEPs throughout the school year.
• Teach small groups of academically at-risk students in reading and/or math, including general education, 504, response-to-intervention, Special Education, and English Language Learners.
• Collect and analyze student data to make effective decisions and 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 academic expectations.
• Submit weekly lesson plans two weeks in advance for feedback.
• Implement formal and informal assessments, adjust lesson plans, and update the gradebook weekly.
• Communicate students’ progress with families on a weekly basis.
• Facilitate and use technology to improve student achievement and manage tasks.
• Implement a clear and consistent behavior management system aligned with campus-wide initiatives.
• Help shape a school-wide culture that fosters a productive and enthusiastic learning environment.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with students and families.
• Host necessary tutoring sessions to meet student needs.
• Participate in weekly check-ins, meetings, and school functions.
• Engage in summer and year-long professional development.
• Spend a minimum of 40+ hours per week at school.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year institution (required)
• Experience in a Special Education classroom setting (strongly preferred)
• Valid Texas state certification in Special Education (required)

Skills

• Knowledge of core academic subjects
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to instruct students and manage behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to adapt to various school environments
• Skill in facilitating Admission, Review, and Dismissal meetings
• Strong family engagement and communication
• Record of results for academically at-risk students

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid Family Leave (up to 8 weeks for birth or adoption)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $5,250 per year)
• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health services
• Disability and life insurance
• Parenting benefits
• Flexible spending account options
• Generous vacation time
• Referral bonuses
• Professional development opportunities
• 403(b) plan
• Relocation allowance (if applicable)

Pay

Starting salary for 0 years of experience is $58,500. Eligible for stipends ($500-$4,000) based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership. Additional performance-based compensation and hourly pay for after-school tutoring or Saturday school.

About IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools believes every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA has grown from a small school with 150 students to a multi-state network of 143 tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools, serving over 80,000 students. IDEA is committed to sending 100% of its graduates to college and is recognized nationally for its achievements.