Special Education Associate Teacher (SPED AT)

Emerald Charter Schools•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

Emerald Academy is Knoxville’s first college preparatory charter school, serving grades K–8 with a focus on growing scholars into leaders and helping them achieve academic success. The school emphasizes personalized learning, high expectations, strong family and community partnerships, and using student data to inform instruction. 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 starting salary is $36,000.

Requirements

Must meet highly qualified status for the area or areas being taught.
Must possess a passion for the work.
Must thrive in an innovative environment.
Must work collaboratively to form creative solutions.
Must have a record of demonstrated expertise in their domain, grade level, and teaching literacy.
Must demonstrate a growth mindset and flexibility to learn new methods and present ideas to improve learning and the school.
Must have strong interpersonal skills with scholars and parents.
Must believe all children can learn and achieve at high academic levels.
Must be able 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.
Must have communication skills, including the ability to verbalize and maintain auditory and visual awareness and monitoring of scholars.

Nice To Haves

Teaching experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Assist the Special Education Teacher in implementing instructional activities and interventions aligned with 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 implementing accommodations, modifications, behavior intervention plans, and other supports in student IEPs.
Support classroom management by promoting 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 during 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 student plans and school procedures.
Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and other staff to support student success and consistency in 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 and maintain 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.
Commit to being an active part of a staff dedicated to scholars’ academic success.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Special Education Teacher, Director of Specialized Services, or school administration.