Special Education Services Teacher (SPED)

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES TEACHER (SPED)

Emerald Academy is Knoxville’s first college preparatory charter school.  We are committed to the singular focus of growing all our scholars into leaders.  We are a K-8 School of high expectations that creates the right learning culture for city students to thrive through our innovative use of time, personalized focus on each scholar and strong partnerships with scholar’s families and the community.

We believe that all students should read at or above grade level by third grade.  We are committed to have our students perform in the top 5% of the state within our first decade of existence.  We will develop in our scholars the skills, habits and values for them to graduate from high school, enroll in college and succeed in life.

Emerald Academy values its staff for their professional knowledge and abilities to foster student achievement.  We will create an environment where teachers are empowered to make instructional decisions using the most current student evidence (data) and the team’s instructional expertise. This role may have both an in person and virtual component. 

JOB TITLE: SPED Teacher

REPORTS TO: Director of Specialized Services, Director of School

START DATE: 2025/2026 Academic School Year

TEACHER STARTING SALARY: $50,000

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing individualized instruction and support to students with disabilities, ensuring they have access to the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment. This role involves developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), collaborating with general education teachers, support staff, and families, and using evidence-based strategies to meet diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. The Special Education Teacher monitors student progress, maintains accurate records, and fosters a positive, inclusive classroom environment that promotes growth, independence, and success for all learners. All responsibilities must be carried out in strict adherence to federal and state special education laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

JOB GOALS:

• Lead the classroom team in design and implement rigorous lessons and classroom instruction with a focus on student achievement determined by demonstration of mastery.
• Create a classroom climate of high expectations that is focused and rewards perseverance through academically challenging materials.  Holds all students accountable to themselves and collaboratively to classmates, while enthusiastically encouraging natural exploration and a love of learning.
• Communicate and build strong partnerships with families through phone calls, conferences and home visits when appropriate.
• Lead and develop specific processes to use current student data to drive instruction, planning and decision-making in their classroom and grade-level. 
• Lead collaboration between all Emerald Academy team members, utilize all Emerald Academy team members to ensure students achieve at high levels.
• Develop processes that encourage student self-assessment and self-monitoring.
• Document, analyze, and summarize student progress based on both formal and informal assessment measures, in order to communicate with students, parents and other stakeholders.
• Utilize technology to maintain student data and enhance student learning.
• Serve on a specific curriculum committee to continuously analyze and develop best systems and practices to obtain high levels of achievement for all students.
• Will be trained in the TEAM Rubric in order for consistency in instructional message throughout the school.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must hold or be in the process of holding a Special Education Tennessee Teacher License for K-12 with endorsement 461.
• Must meet highly qualified status for area(s) will be teaching.
• Must posses a passion for the work itself.
• Must thrive in an innovative environment.
• Must work collaboratively to form creative solutions.
• Must have record of demonstrated expertise in their domain –grade-level, and in teaching literacy
• Must demonstrate a growth mindset-Flexibility to learn new methods and present ideas to improve learning and the school.
• Must believe all kids can learn and achieve at high academic levels. 
• Must commit to being an active part of a staff that will never tire in its efforts to have all our scholars succeed academically.
• Prior leadership experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years evidence of effective teaching.

No phone calls please