Special Education Services Teacher (SPED)

Emerald Charter Schools•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

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 uses evidence-based strategies to address students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. The role includes monitoring student progress, maintaining accurate records, and fostering a positive, inclusive classroom that promotes growth, independence, and success. All responsibilities must comply with federal and state special education laws, including IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The teacher leads classroom planning and instruction focused on student achievement and demonstrated mastery, builds a classroom culture of high expectations and perseverance, and develops strong family partnerships. The role also involves using student data to guide instruction and decisions, coordinating with school team members, encouraging student self-assessment, documenting and communicating progress, using technology to maintain student data and support learning, and serving on a curriculum committee. The teacher will be trained in the TEAM Rubric to support consistency in instructional practices across the school. The role may include both in-person and virtual work. Emerald Academy is a K–8 college preparatory charter school in Knoxville focused on helping scholars achieve academically and develop the skills, habits, and values to graduate from high school, enroll in college, and succeed in life. The position is scheduled to start in the 2025/2026 academic school year. Starting salary is $50,000.

Requirements

Must hold or be in the process of obtaining a Tennessee K–12 Special Education Teacher License with endorsement 461.
Must meet highly qualified status for the area or areas being taught.
Must have a passion for the work.
Must thrive in an innovative environment.
Must work collaboratively to develop creative solutions.
Must have demonstrated expertise in their domain, grade level, and teaching literacy.
Must demonstrate a growth mindset and flexibility to learn new methods and suggest ideas to improve learning and the school.
Must believe all students can learn and achieve at high academic levels.
Must commit to actively supporting the staff’s efforts to help all scholars succeed academically.
Minimum of 3 years of evidence of effective teaching.

Nice To Haves

Prior leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized instruction and support to students with disabilities, ensuring access to the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment.
Develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Collaborate with general education teachers, support staff, families, and other Emerald Academy team members.
Use evidence-based strategies to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
Monitor student progress and maintain accurate records in compliance with special education laws and requirements.
Create a positive, inclusive classroom environment that promotes growth, independence, and success.
Lead the classroom team in designing and implementing rigorous lessons and instruction focused on student achievement and mastery.
Establish a high-expectations classroom climate that encourages perseverance, accountability, exploration, and a love of learning.
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.
Develop processes that encourage student self-assessment and self-monitoring.
Document, analyze, and summarize student progress using formal and informal assessment measures, 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 support high student achievement.
Participate in training on the TEAM Rubric to promote consistency in instructional practices.
Carry out responsibilities in accordance with federal and state special education laws, including IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.