Special Education Services Teacher (SPED)

Emerald Charter Schools•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

Emerald Academy is a K–8 college preparatory charter school in Knoxville focused on helping scholars grow as leaders and achieve academic success. The school emphasizes personalized instruction, strong partnerships with families and the community, and using student data and team expertise to guide instructional decisions. This role may include both in-person and virtual work. The Special Education Teacher provides individualized instruction and support to students with disabilities so they can access the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment. The teacher develops and implements Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), collaborates with general education teachers, support staff, and families, and applies evidence-based strategies to address students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. The role includes monitoring progress, maintaining accurate records, and fostering a positive, inclusive classroom that supports students’ growth, independence, and success. Responsibilities must comply with federal and state special education laws, including IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The teacher leads classroom instruction and collaboration, uses formal and informal assessment data to guide planning and decision-making, and communicates student progress to students, families, and other stakeholders. The teacher also serves on a curriculum committee and receives training in the TEAM Rubric to support consistency in instructional practices.

Requirements

Hold, or be in the process of obtaining, a Tennessee Special Education Teacher License for K–12 with endorsement 461.
Meet highly qualified status for the area or areas to be taught.
Have a passion for the work.
Thrive in an innovative environment.
Work collaboratively to develop creative solutions.
Demonstrate expertise in the relevant domain and grade level, and in teaching literacy.
Demonstrate a growth mindset and flexibility to learn new methods and contribute ideas to improve learning and the school.
Believe that all students can learn and achieve at high academic levels.
Commit to actively supporting students’ academic success.
Have a minimum of three years of evidence of effective teaching.

Nice To Haves

Prior leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the classroom team in designing and implementing rigorous lessons and instruction focused on student achievement and demonstrated mastery.
Create a classroom climate of high expectations that encourages perseverance with academically challenging material.
Hold students accountable to themselves and their classmates while encouraging exploration and a love of learning.
Communicate and build partnerships with families through phone calls, conferences, and home visits when appropriate.
Develop processes for using current student data to guide classroom and grade-level instruction, planning, and decision-making.
Lead collaboration among Emerald Academy team members and use team resources to support student achievement.
Develop processes that encourage student self-assessment and self-monitoring.
Document, analyze, and summarize student progress using formal and informal assessments, and communicate progress to students, parents, and other stakeholders.
Use technology to maintain student data and enhance student learning.
Serve on a curriculum committee to analyze and develop systems and practices that promote high achievement for all students.
Develop and implement IEPs and provide individualized support that enables students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment.
Collaborate with general education teachers, support staff, and families to address students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
Monitor student progress and maintain accurate records.
Foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment that promotes student growth, independence, and success.
Carry out responsibilities in compliance with applicable federal and state special education laws, including IDEA and Section 504.
Participate in training on the TEAM Rubric to support consistency in the school’s instructional message.