Special Education Teacher

Nashville, TN 37221•Nashville, TN

About The Position

Nashville Christian School, in partnership with parents, strives to give honor and glory to God through Jesus Christ by educating students in a loving, nurturing environment to be committed and productive Christian servants in all areas of this life and in preparation for eternity. We, Nashville Christian School, believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, that Jesus Christ is God's son, and that the Holy Spirit dwells in each of us. We believe that Christianity promotes high ideals, develops strong character, and holds the only promise for eternal life with God. Nashville Christian School, established by members of the churches of Christ, centers its entire program on Christian principles. The NCS LIFE Coordinator is a Christian professional demonstrating Christ's love while helping students realize and pursue their full potential- spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially. The LIFE Coordinator exemplifies the school's mission and vision to all stakeholders. The LIFE Teacher/Coordinator has a relationship with the Lord that includes an active membership in a local church. Accordingly, he or she must be morally upright in public and personal life. The LIFE Teacher/Coordinator will support and teach the core beliefs held by the school. The LIFE Coordinator will lead in dress, conduct, attitude, and intellectual pursuit. The LIFE Teacher/Coordinator will maintain relationships with students and foster an atmosphere that models Christ-like interaction, positively promotes student development, and inspires a love of learning. He or she understands that as ambassadors for Christ, students are his or her first ministry. The LIFE Teacher/Coordinator will serve as a facilitator for LIFE teachers and core teachers to provide clear information and training. The LIFE Teacher/Coordinator will work with lower, middle, and upper school LIFE teachers and be familiar with LIFE students and program implementation in each area. The LIFE Teacher/Coordinator will serve as a resource and will regularly communicate with families and LIFE faculty. Document regular meetings and support with LIFE and dual instruction teachers. Communicate monthly through a newsletter with families in the LIFE program to share initiatives, tips, and provide resources. Coordinate appropriate training and PD for LIFE and core teachers in the area of special education

Requirements

Special Education degree or background/related field, ideally advanced degree.
Experience with reading, understanding, and implementing psycho-educational evaluations
Understands and keeps current on Public Law regarding special education versus Independent School services
Active membership in a local church
Must be morally upright in public and personal life

Responsibilities

Provide insight and recommendations for the Admission Team regarding applicants’ strengths, challenges, diagnosis, programming needs, concerns, etc.
Assist the administration in the admissions process for any prospective LIFE student in the middle school. This may include student observations, administration of screening assessments, interpretation of Psychoeducational evaluations, meeting with family and admin prior to admissions decision, and parent communication and other related tasks.
Bridge the transition between Admissions to enrollment per school by facilitating ASP meetings in Lower and Middle school.
Review files after admissions have gathered records and testing, attend meetings with prospective LIFE families and admin.
Provide informational LIFE admissions sessions at preview days and other recruiting events.
Upon enrollment, set up and conduct ASP meetings for new K-8 LIFE families
Be the Middle School point of contact for LIFE families beyond daily or weekly classroom instruction/management.
Oversee the student’s LIFE folder as the file manager.
Be familiar with Middle School students and their needs.
Ensure that core teachers are aware of each student’s ASP and learning differences.
Participate in Middle School orientation program to provide assistance to and familiarize him or herself with new LIFE students
Deliver periodic instruction, verify that ASP accommodations and modifications are properly implemented, support LIFE teachers, Dual Instructors, and core teachers with the implementation of ASP
Develop a check-in system for new LIFE families that includes teachers and families at least twice each semester to facilitate open communication.
Send communication to LIFE families at least once a month.
Meet with the Lower and Upper School personnel to bridge the transition of students to the different schools.
Answer questions, respond to parent concerns, and transmit regular newsletters or periodic emails to foster good family communication in conjunction with LIFE teachers.
Teach classes as needed to meet student learning differences.
Keep folders current, schedule, and conduct ASP meetings.
Deliver student information to all teachers to ensure proper accommodations
Host periodic parent group coffees to provide expectations, helpful information in regards to NCS, and to address specific developmental needs for students.
Elective class to focus on life skills, social skills, communication, and other needs of LIFE students, work with LIFE teacher to support higher needs LIFE students.
Host tutoring three days a week after school for students in our LIFE program.