Special Education Associate Teacher (SPED AT)

Emerald Charter Schools•Knoxville, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Associate Teacher supports instructional programs and services for students with disabilities under the direction of a licensed Special Education Teacher. The role assists with academic instruction, behavior support, accommodations, and daily classroom operations so students can access the curriculum and work toward their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. The Associate Teacher collaborates with teachers, service providers, and school staff to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. The position provides support in both general education and special education settings, helps implement IEP-aligned instruction and interventions, and contributes to student progress monitoring and classroom operations. The role also includes student supervision, assistance with individual care needs as required, participation in professional development and staff meetings, and maintaining confidentiality of student information. The Associate Teacher reports to the Special Education Teacher and Director of Specialized Services.

Requirements

Must meet highly qualified status for the area or areas being taught.
Strong interpersonal skills with scholars and parents.
Ability to collaborate and form creative solutions.
Demonstrated expertise in the relevant domain or grade level and in teaching literacy.
Growth mindset and flexibility to learn new methods and offer ideas to improve learning and the school.
Belief that all students can learn and achieve at high academic levels.
Ability to communicate verbally and maintain auditory and visual awareness of and monitor scholars.
Ability to meet the physical demands of attending to scholars, including sitting, standing, moving, lifting, and moving with scholars as appropriate for care, safety, and ongoing monitoring.

Nice To Haves

Teaching experience is preferred but not required.
Passion for the work itself.
Ability to thrive in an innovative environment.

Responsibilities

Assist the Special Education Teacher with instructional activities and interventions aligned to students’ IEPs and grade-level curriculum in general education and special education settings.
Provide academic support to individual students and small groups under the direction of the Special Education Teacher.
Assist with accommodations, modifications, behavior intervention plans, and other supports specified in student IEPs.
Support classroom management and promote positive behavior, engagement, and a safe, respectful learning environment.
Collect student performance and behavior data as directed to support progress monitoring and instructional planning.
Prepare instructional materials, organize classroom resources, and help maintain an effective learning environment.
Supervise students in instructional and non-instructional settings, including transitions, lunch, recess, arrival, dismissal, and assigned field trips.
Assist students with personal care, mobility, health, or daily living needs as required by individual plans and school procedures.
Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and other staff to support student success and consistency of services.
Maintain confidentiality of student information and records in accordance with FERPA, IDEA, and school policies.
Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and required trainings.
Build positive, respectful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Oversee scholars during early morning arrival at 7:10 on a rotating schedule, roughly once every eight weeks.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Special Education Teacher, Director of Specialized Services, or school administration.
Commit to actively supporting scholars’ academic success.