[2026-27] 6th-12th Special Education Teacher

Position Overview

Prep Public Schools Special Education teachers are responsible for the increasing student achievement, growth, and mastery of grade level content. SPED teachers at Prep provide students with the critical thinking and writing skills needed to access AP and high school level curriculum. Teachers are tasked with delivering quality instruction and supports that facilitate student learning and comprehension, playing a critical role in students in helping students’ reach their post-secondary pathway of choice. 

Key Responsibilities

• Implement state learning standards and Prep curricula and assessments to meet ambitious academic expectations
• Learn, master, and deliver content and grade level curriculum, core content objectives, and texts
• Submit weekly lesson plans two weeks in advance for feedback
• Implement formal and informal assessments to track each individual student’s progress and learning needs, adjust lesson plans accordingly and update gradebook weekly
• Communicate students’ progress with student and family on a weekly basis
• Leverage technology effectively for communication, instruction, and task management to enhance student achievement
• Establish a structured and consistent behavior management system aligned with campus-wide initiatives, fostering student character and classroom community
• Contribute to a positive and engaging school culture that supports student learning, enthusiasm, and a culture of brotherhood
• Build and maintain strong relationships with students and families through trust, understanding, and respect for their communities
• Provide targeted tutoring sessions to support student learning needs
• Actively participate in weekly manager check-ins, grade-level meetings, school duties, and campus-wide meetings and events
• Engage in ongoing professional development through summer and year-round learning opportunities at the network, school, and personal levels
• Commit to a minimum of 37.5+ hours spend at school per week
• Managing a caseload of students, including: progess monitoring, goal setting, annual and initial IEP meetings, and ensuring no stop signs
• Take on additional responsibilities, such as after-school tutoring or Saturday school, as needed to support student success

We look for adults that embody the following core values:

• One Big Family: We are a community who look out for one another, showing up like family. We take the time to open up, share our stories, and be vulnerable with each other. We strive to be positive role models within our community, holding each other accountable to do what’s right and what’s required. As friends and family, we also make sure to have fun and find joy together, strengthening our bonds of family.
• Grit: We are “all in” everything we do. We have courage when facing challenges and are resilient in the face of adversity. Only by leaning into difficult experiences do we discover what we’re truly capable of. Education empowers us to prove what is possible despite the obstacles we encounter.
• Do More, Achieve More: Success requires hard work, and we work harder than anyone. With a growth mindset, we view every opportunity as a chance to improve. We cultivate a “winning mentality,” striving for excellence in everything we do. We believe every Prep scholar is capable of being on a path to achieving a post-secondary pathway of their choice to reach their full potential.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year educational institution required
• Certifications: Must hold a valid Tennessee teaching license with the proper endorsement code required for the assigned subject and grade level OR be willing to pursue a Tennessee teaching license with proper endorsement code required for the assigned subject and grade level
• Experience: Experience in an urban K-12 classroom setting strongly preferred

Knowledge and Skills

• Aligned or relevant coursework that indicates experience or exposure to the content
• Knowledge of core academic subject assigned and ability to pass a grade level aligned Prep content assessment
• Basic knowledge of curricula and instructional practices or implementation
• Ability to instruct students and manage student behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to adjust and adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment

Performance Goals

You will be responsible for achieving the following ambitious targets:

• Academic Excellence: Demonstrate sub-group level growth on both annual ELPA and TCAP assessments.
• High Quality Instruction: Achieve an “Effective” or higher rating on Project COACH rubric in the summative evaluation.
• Forging Relationships: Achieve an 80% or higher on the parent survey and student survey at the end of year in May.

Compensation & Benefits

Prep Public Schools offers competitive salary and benefits, competitive retirement plans through Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), including a hybrid 401K and pension plan. TCRS has been ranked in the top five best funded state pension plans by the Pew Charitable Trust.