Special Education Associate Teacher (SPED AT)

SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATE TEACHER 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. JOB TITLE: SPED Associate Teacher (AT) REPORTS TO: Special Education Teacher & Director of Specialized Services ASSOCIATE TEACHER STARTING SALARY: $36,000 JOB SUMMARY: The Special Education (SPED) Associate Teacher supports the implementation of instructional programs and services for students with disabilities under the direction of a licensed Special Education Teacher.

This position assists with academic instruction, behavior support, accommodations, and daily classroom operations to help students access the curriculum and achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. The Special Education Associate Teacher works collaboratively with teachers, service providers, and school staff to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

JOB GOALS: Assist the Special Education Teacher in implementing instructional activities and interventions aligned to students' IEPs and grade-level curriculum in both the general education and special education settings. Provide academic support to individual students and small groups under the direction of the Special Education Teacher in both the general education and special education settings.

Assist with implementing accommodations, modifications, behavior intervention plans, and other supports outlined in student IEPs. Support classroom management by promoting positive behavior, engagement, and a safe, respectful learning environment. Collect student performance and behavior data as directed to support progress monitoring and instructional planning.

Prepare instructional materials, organize classroom resources, and assist with maintaining an effective learning environment. Supervise students during instructional and non-instructional settings, including transitions, lunch, recess, arrival, dismissal, and field trips as assigned. Assist students with personal care, mobility, health, or daily living needs as required by individual student plans and school procedures.

Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and other staff to support student success and maintain consistency in services. Maintain confidentiality of student information and records in accordance with FERPA, IDEA, and school policies. Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and required trainings to strengthen instructional and support practices.

Establish and maintain positive, respectful relationships with students, families, and colleagues while performing other duties as assigned by the Special Education Teacher, Director of Specialized Services, or School Administration. Oversee scholars during early morning arrival (7:10) on a rotating schedule, roughly once every 8 weeks.

Commit to being an active part of a staff that will never tire in its efforts to have all scholars succeed academically. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must meet highly qualified status for area(s) will be teaching. Teaching experience preferred but not required. Must possess 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. Strong interpersonal skills with scholars and parents. Must believe all kids can learn and achieve at high academic levels. Physical demands of attending scholars- sitting, standing, moving, lifting, and moving with scholars appropriate for care, safety and ongoing monitoring.

Communication skills including the ability to verbalize, engage auditory and visual awareness and monitoring of scholars. No phone calls please. Emerald Academy is an equal opportunity employer.