Special Education Teacher; Functional Skills

Journey Community Schools (JCS) is a Tennessee non-profit corporation serving scholars in grades kindergarten through 8th grade at our Coleman School, East Academy, and Northeast Academy campuses. Our Mission is to engage families and community partners in our scholars' learning journey; cultivate a safe, positive and joyous learning environment; and empower teachers and leaders with support to deliver an inclusive, innovative and rigorous education.

Visit Journey Community Schools for more information ( (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). ).

Behind every successful student is a team of passionate and dedicated educators. As a Special Education Functional Skills teacher at Journey Community Schools (JCS), you will provide specialized instruction and support to students with significant cognitive, developmental, adaptive, and/or physical needs. The teacher designs and delivers individualized, standards-aligned instruction focused on functional academics, life skills, communication, social-emotional development, vocational readiness, and independence.

The role requires collaboration with staff, families, and service providers to ensure students access a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

Develops, adapts, and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned to students’ academic, functional, behavioral, and transition goals

Delivers instruction in functional academics, daily living skills, communication, motor development, vocational skills, and social-emotional learning

Adapts classroom instruction and collaborates with general education teachers and Instructional Aids (IAs) to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications

Demonstrates and models instructional methods required to perform classroom and subject-specific assignments

Uses evidence-based instructional strategies, assistive technology, visual supports, and adaptive materials to meet diverse student needs

Establishes structured routines and predictable environments to promote independence, engagement, and safety

Serve as the Lead instructor in the Functional Skills classroom providing direct guidance and support to the Instructional Aid(s) in supporting students’ both academically and adaptively

Administers developmental assessments, curriculum-based measures, and subject-specific assignments to assess student competency

Assesses student progress toward academic, behavioral, communication, motor, and vocational goals

Collects, analyzes, and uses data to adjust instruction and support student growth

Prepares progress reports and provides feedback to students, families, and administration

Implements positive behavior supports and behavior intervention plans (BIPs);
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) supports where required to support students

Supports students with personal care needs (e.g., toileting, diapering, feeding, mobility) in accordance with training and policies

Administers first aid when a nurse is not available and responds to emergency situations as needed

Promotes student dignity, self-advocacy, independence, and confidence

Advises and communicates with parents and/or legal guardians regarding student progress, expectations, and strategies for home support

Collaborates with instructional staff, paraprofessionals, related service providers, administrators, and community resources

Counsels students and refers to related services as appropriate to support academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs

Participates in IEP meetings, referrals, data meetings, and other required meetings as needed

Prepares and maintains required…