Special Education Teacher - Adult Transition Program; ATP

Adult Transition Program (ATP) Teacher

Education:

Bachelor's degree required.

Department/Group:
Student Supports - Special Education

Certificates & Licenses:
Valid license with appropriate endorsement acceptable to the state of Tennessee Department of Education;
First Aid and CPR certification preferred; must have or be willing to obtain Conflict Resolution/Restraint Training

Location:

David Crockett High School (Systemwide Program)

Travel within the district may be required

Required Testing:
Pre-employment Physical Exam

Level/Salary Range:
Certified Pay Scale

Continuing Education/Training:
Maintain state license requirements;
Participate in ongoing professional development and training related to RTI2A & B, post-secondary transitions, special education referrals and eligibility, assessment protocols and procedures.

Purpose:

The job of the Special Education Teacher for the Adult Transition Program (ATP) was established for the purpose of coordinating and providing developmentally appropriate educational services for students whose abilities differ from their typical peers. This position specifically serves students ages 18-22 with significant cognitive delays or disabilities who require additional support to achieve independence.

Acting as a bridge between the high school environment and adult life/community involvement, the teacher shifts the primary focus away from traditional academics toward vocational training and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Programming is adapted to directly address the cognitive, physical, social-emotional, behavioral, and communication needs of the students.

Essential Functions:

• Provides hands-on, community-based instruction rather than traditional classroom lectures, delivering direct instruction within small groups, 1:1 settings, and community environments.
• Shifts programming focus to practical Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including cooking, cleaning, personal finance, and self-care.
• Guides and supports students in navigating vital community resources, including public transportation, shopping, and community recreation.
• Provides specific communication support to ensure students can interact effectively in both community and workplace settings.
• Utilizes active teaching strategies, specialized teaching tools, equipment, and technological advances to maximize independence.
• Focuses student experiences on age-appropriate, adult-oriented transition activities, excluding participation in traditional high school extracurriculars (e.g., prom, graduation, sports).
• Develop and coordinate the implementation of social-emotional supports as appropriate.
• Works collaboratively with program directors, supervisors, building administrators, school staff, and teachers regarding effective behavioral intervention strategies and plans.
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and plans.
• Employ and follow research-based classroom management methods, crisis prevention strategies, and de-escalation/isolation/restraint techniques.
• Assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the transition program classroom.
• Directs and coordinates instructional assistants, volunteers, student workers, and Transition School to Work (TSW) personnel within a planned staff-to-student ratio environment.
• Shared commitment to teach and reinforce positive behavior intervention and supports for students.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage, direct, and utilize classroom assistants effectively to best benefit individual student needs and program outcomes.
• Develops, cooperatively designs, and maintains student IEPs focused on improving areas of skill deficits and achieving specific post-secondary goals (employment, independent living, community participation).
• Monitors and prepares diploma pathway data, aligning student progress with Special Education Diploma or Occupational Diploma guidelines.
• Build trusting relationships with and support faculty, staff, students, and parents.
• Maintains a high level of personal integrity and strong work ethic.
• Assumes the responsibility of having regular and timely attendance.
• Participates in a variety of meetings and training.
• Assumes responsibility for knowing…