Special Education Teacher (Functional Skills- Sign-On Bonus)

Journey Community Schools•Memphis, TN

26d

About The Position

Journey Community Schools (JCS), a Tennessee nonprofit serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade, is hiring a Special Education Functional Skills teacher. The teacher provides specialized instruction and support to students with significant cognitive, developmental, adaptive, and/or physical needs in a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. Instruction is individualized and standards-aligned, with a focus on functional academics, life skills, communication, social-emotional development, vocational readiness, and independence. The teacher develops and implements IEPs, delivers and adapts instruction, assesses student progress, and uses data to guide learning. The role also includes supporting students’ personal care and behavioral needs, collaborating with families and school and community professionals, maintaining required documentation, and ensuring compliance with applicable special education requirements. As the lead instructor in the Functional Skills classroom, the teacher provides direct guidance and support to instructional aides.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Develop, adapt, and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned with students’ academic, functional, behavioral, and transition goals.
Teach functional academics, daily living skills, communication, motor development, vocational skills, and social-emotional learning.
Adapt classroom instruction and collaborate with general education teachers and instructional aides to provide accommodations and modifications.
Demonstrate and model instructional methods for classroom and subject-specific assignments.
Use evidence-based instructional strategies, assistive technology, visual supports, and adaptive materials to meet student needs.
Establish structured routines and predictable environments that promote independence, engagement, and safety.
Serve as lead instructor in the Functional Skills classroom and guide instructional aides in supporting students academically and adaptively.
Administer developmental assessments, curriculum-based measures, and subject-specific assignments.
Assess student progress toward academic, behavioral, communication, motor, and vocational goals; collect and analyze data to adjust instruction.
Prepare progress reports and provide feedback to students, families, and administration.
Implement positive behavior supports, behavior intervention plans, and crisis prevention supports where required.
Support students with personal care needs, including toileting, diapering, feeding, and mobility, in accordance with training and policies.
Administer first aid when a nurse is unavailable and respond to emergencies as needed.
Promote student dignity, self-advocacy, independence, and confidence.
Communicate with parents and legal guardians about student progress, expectations, and strategies for home support.
Collaborate with instructional staff, paraprofessionals, related service providers, administrators, and community resources.
Counsel students and refer them to related services as appropriate.
Participate in IEP meetings, referrals, data meetings, and other required meetings.
Prepare and maintain IEPs, progress monitoring data, behavior logs, attendance, grades, and anecdotal records.
Maintain accurate and confidential special education files in paper and electronic formats.
Ensure compliance with IDEA, Tennessee Department of Education requirements, Journey Community Schools requirements, and Local Educational Agency requirements.
Demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior in interactions with students, teammates, and stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned.