Special Education Teacher (Functional Skills)

Journey Community Schools•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Opportunity: Journey Community Schools (JCS) is a Tennessee non-profit corporation serving scholars in grades kindergarten through 8th grade at our Coleman School, East Academy, and Northeast Academy campuses. Our Mission is to engage families and community partners in our scholars' learning journey; cultivate a safe, positive and joyous learning environment; and empower teachers and leaders with support to deliver an inclusive, innovative and rigorous education. Visit Journey Community Schools for more information ( https://myjourneycs.org ). General Summary: Behind every successful student is a team of passionate and dedicated educators. As a Special Education Functional Skills teacher at Journey Community Schools (JCS), you will provide specialized instruction and support to students with significant cognitive, developmental, adaptive, and/or physical needs. The teacher designs and delivers individualized, standards-aligned instruction focused on functional academics, life skills, communication, social-emotional development, vocational readiness, and independence. The role requires collaboration with staff, families, and service providers to ensure students access a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

Requirements

Strong problem-solving and consensus-building abilities
Knowledge of instructional strategies for students with significant disabilities
Ability to develop and implement IEPs and behavior support plans
Strong organizational, collaboration, and communication skills
Experience collaborating with paraprofessionals
CPI or similar crisis prevention/de-escalation training
Ability to collaborate with colleagues, parents and community
Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field
Valid teaching license and endorsement in Special Education (461 Special Education Comprehensive, K–12) with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), or a valid Special Education teaching license and endorsement from a state that offers reciprocity with Tennessee.
2+ years of teaching in a functional skills, life skills, or self-contained classroom
Experience collaborating with paraprofessionals
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or similar crisis prevention/de-escalation training

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Develops, adapts, and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned to students’ academic, functional, behavioral, and transition goals
Delivers instruction in functional academics, daily living skills, communication, motor development, vocational skills, and social-emotional learning
Adapts classroom instruction and collaborates with general education teachers and Instructional Aids (IAs) to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications
Demonstrates and models instructional methods required to perform classroom and subject-specific assignments
Uses evidence-based instructional strategies, assistive technology, visual supports, and adaptive materials to meet diverse student needs
Establishes structured routines and predictable environments to promote independence, engagement, and safety
Serve as the Lead instructor in the Functional Skills classroom providing direct guidance and support to the Instructional Aid(s) in supporting students’ both academically and adaptively
Administers developmental assessments, curriculum-based measures, and subject-specific assignments to assess student competency
Assesses student progress toward academic, behavioral, communication, motor, and vocational goals
Collects, analyzes, and uses data to adjust instruction and support student growth
Prepares progress reports and provides feedback to students, families, and administration
Implements positive behavior supports and behavior intervention plans (BIPs); Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) supports where required to support students
Supports students with personal care needs (e.g., toileting, diapering, feeding, mobility) in accordance with training and policies
Administers first aid when a nurse is not available and responds to emergency situations as needed
Promotes student dignity, self-advocacy, independence, and confidence
Advises and communicates with parents and/or legal guardians regarding student progress, expectations, and strategies for home support
Collaborates with instructional staff, paraprofessionals, related service providers, administrators, and community resources
Counsels students and refers to related services as appropriate to support academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs
Participates in IEP meetings, referrals, data meetings, and other required meetings as needed
Prepares and maintains required documentation including IEPs, progress monitoring data, behavior logs, attendance, grades, and anecdotal records
Maintains accurate and confidential special education files (paper and electronic) in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
Ensures compliance with IDEA, Tennessee Department of Education, Journey Community Schools, and Local Educational Agency (LEA)
Demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior in all interactions with students, teammates, and stakeholders
Performs other duties as assigned