About this role
JEFFERSON RISE CHARTER SCHOOL
Harvey, Louisiana | Grades 6-12 | 2026-2027 School Year
School Overview
Founded in 2014, Jefferson RISE is a tuition-free public charter school serving nearly 800 students in grades 6-12 in Harvey, Louisiana. At Jefferson RISE, we believe every student deserves a real path forward. Whether that means a four-year university, a skilled trade, the military, entrepreneurship, or something else entirely, our job is to make sure every student graduates prepared and ready. We get there through rigorous academics, strong relationships, consistent accountability, and a genuine commitment to each student's individual success.
Our student body reflects the diversity of the Westbank:
• We have a diverse population of students based on race and ethnicity:
• 61% Black/African American
• 16% Hispanic
• 14% Middle Eastern
• 6% White (Non-Middle Eastern)
• 2% Asian
• 1% Other
• 87% qualify as economically disadvantaged
• 13% Students with Disabilities
• 4% English Learners
Recent Achievements:
• Top Gains Award - Louisiana Department of Education (2023-24 SY)
• Average graduation rate of 98% since our first graduating class in 2022
• #6 for SPS Growth in Louisiana - High School: B rating, Middle School: C rating (2022-23 SY)
• Continued SPS growth: 72.5 in 2023-24 and 73.9 in 2024-25
Schedule and Calendar:
As a charter school, Jefferson RISE sets its own academic calendar and daily schedule based on the needs of its students. Teachers generally work from mid-July (beginning with professional development before students arrive) through late May.
Workdays are generally 7:10 AM - 3:45 PM, Monday through Friday. Mondays extend to 4:30 PM and include mandatory Professional Development time. Anticipated school hours and days vary annually based on changes to the school calendar.
Position Title: Severe/Profound Special Education Teacher
Position Information
• Department: Special Education
• Reports to: Self-Contained SPED Instructional Coach
• Work Schedule: 10-month (mid/late July–mid/late May)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
• Location: Harvey, LA
• Start Date: Immediate
Position Summary
Jefferson RISE Charter School is seeking a skilled, compassionate, and adaptable Severe/Profound Special Education Teacher to provide individualized instruction to middle and high school students with significant disabilities in a self-contained setting.
The teacher will deliver instruction in core academics, functional academics, life skills, and transition readiness while adapting instruction to each student’s abilities, needs, and Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students may be nonverbal or minimally verbal and may require mobility or personal-care support.
The ideal candidate sets high expectations, meets students where they are, and helps each student build the skills, confidence, and independence needed for continued growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Instruction & Student Support
• Deliver individualized instruction in academics, functional skills, communication, daily living, social skills, and transition/workplace readiness.
• Adapt curriculum, materials, activities, and assessments to meet individual student needs and IEP goals.
• Use student data to adjust instruction and monitor academic and functional progress.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive classroom that promotes student independence, dignity, and success.
IEP Implementation & Collaboration
• Implement IEP goals, accommodations, modifications, and required student supports with fidelity.
• Collect progress data, maintain required documentation, and contribute to IEP meetings and progress reporting.
• Coordinate with paraprofessionals and related-service providers to support instructional, mobility, toileting, hygiene, and personal-care needs.
• Communicate and collaborate with families, the Self-Contained SPED Instructional Coach, and the Special Education team.
School & Professional Responsibilities
• Administer or support required assessments and follow student-specific health, safety, mobility, and emergency protocols.
• Model Jefferson RISE expectations of being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible.
• Participate in professional development, coaching, team meetings, schoolwide responsibilities, and other duties as assigned.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Louisiana teaching or Special Education certification preferred, but not required
• Knowledge of specially designed instruction, IEP implementation, accommodations and modifications, and progress monitoring
• Ability to adapt curriculum and instruction for students with significant disabilities
• Experience working with students with severe/profound disabilities or significant support needs preferred
• Experience in a self-contained Special Education setting preferred
• Experience with functional academics, life skills, vocational, or transition instruction preferred
• Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and documentation skills
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Physical Requirements
Ability to move throughout the classroom and school environment; stand, walk, bend, reach, and change positions throughout the workday; assist with student transitions and mobility needs; push or maneuver wheelchairs or mobility equipment when necessary; and respond safely when students require physical assistance.
Culture & Fit
• Believes students with significant disabilities are capable of meaningful learning, growth, and increased independence
• Maintains high expectations while responding to individual student needs
• Demonstrates patience, consistency, flexibility, and respect for student dignity
• Communicates and collaborate effectively with colleagues and families
• Open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement
• Act with integrity and put students first
COMPENSATION
Jefferson RISE offers competitive compensation based on performance and qualifications. We do not follow a traditional salary schedule; annual salaries reflect the outcomes teachers drive and the value they bring to students and the school.
• Annual Salary Range: $40,000–$55,000 starting salary, depending on degree level, certification, content area, previous student outcomes, and experience
• Additional Stipends: Employees may be eligible for supplemental compensation for approved responsibilities beyond their regular duties.
• Raises and Bonuses: Employees may be eligible for performance-based raises and bonuses based on demonstrated results, organizational contributions, available funding, and other relevant factors.
• Pay Schedule: Paid twice monthly on the 15th and last day of each month
Benefits
All full-time employees receive the following employee-only coverage:
• Medical: RISE covers 85% of employee-only premiums; employee covers 15%
• Dental and Vision: 100% of employee-only premiums covered
• Short- and Long-Term Disability: 100% of premiums covered
• 401(k): 100% employer match on the first 3% deferred and a 50% match on contributions from 3% to 5%, with no vesting period
Jefferson RISE reserves the right to offer different or additional benefits at any time. $40,000 - $55,000 starting salary depending on degree level, certification, content, previous student outcomes, and experience