The role involves providing specially designed instruction and targeted academic intervention in small groups or individually for students with disabilities, focusing on reading and mathematics while ensuring IEP accommodations are met. This specialist will collaborate closely with general education teachers to co-plan, monitor student progress via data analysis, and implement research-based interventions with fidelity.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field, with a Master's degree preferred, along with a valid Tennessee Special Education teaching license or one eligible for reciprocity. Required experience includes 2+ years working with K-8 students, especially those significantly behind in reading, and 2+ years teaching in an inclusion or co-teaching setting.
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 (https://myjourneycs.org [https://myjourneycs.org]).
General Summary
Behind every successful student is a team of passionate and dedicated educators. As a Special Education Teacher/Intervention Specialist at Journey Community Schools (JCS), you will provide specially designed instruction and targeted academic intervention to support students with disabilities and students requiring Tier II and Tier III support. This role delivers small-group and individualized instruction in reading and mathematics while ensuring students with IEPs receive appropriate accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction aligned to their Individualized Education Programs.
This position collaborates closely with general education teachers to co-plan, co-teach, and implement research-based interventions with fidelity. This position focuses on increasing access to grade-level curriculum, monitoring student progress through ongoing data analysis, facilitating intervention planning meetings, and adjusting instruction to ensure measurable student growth. Through strong collaboration with staff, families, and service providers, this role supports student achievement within the least restrictive environment while maintaining compliance with state and federal guidelines.
What You Will Do
Academic Intervention
Provide small group instruction to students in Reading and Math
Monitor the fidelity of Tier 2 and Tier 3 intervention program
Work closely with classroom teachers to assess students frequently, examine student assessment data, and refine intervention activities to address individual student needs
Create and monitor ILP-Ds (Individualized Learning Plans - Dyslexia)for students who show characteristics of dyslexia
Benefits
Paid time off
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Life insurance
Adoption assistance program
Tuition reimbursement plan
Rich benefit plans
Participation in a TN state retirement plan
Facilitate monthly meetings with teachers and the administration team to discuss grade band progress
Determine research-based interventions
Provide observations and coaching to assist teachers and others implementing interventions with fidelity
Oversee data collection including universal screening and progress monitoring for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students
Instruction & Curriculum
Collaborates with general education teachers to co-plan and co-teach inclusive lessons aligned to state standards
Provides push-in services, small-group instruction, and targeted interventions within the general education setting
Adapts instructional materials and strategies to meet individual student needs while maintaining access to grade-level curriculum
Implements accommodations and modifications outlined in students’ IEPs
Uses evidence-based instructional strategies, data driven instruction, assistive technology, visual supports, and adaptive materials to meet diverse student needs
Assessment & Progress Monitoring
Monitors and assesses student progress toward IEP goals and grade-level expectations
Collects, analyzes, and uses data to adjust instruction and support student growth
Administers and supports assessments in accordance with IEP accommodations
Prepares progress reports and provides feedback to students, families, and administration
Student Support & Care
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
Collaboration & Communication
Advises and communicates with parents and/or legal guardians regarding student progress, expectations, and strategies for home support
Collaborates with general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and community resources
Provides consultation and guidance to staff regarding accommodations, modifications, and inclusive strategies
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
Compliance & Documentation
Prepares and maintains required documentation including IEPs, progress monitoring data, behavior logs, attendance, grades, and anecdotal records
Maintains accurate and confidential special education files (paper and electronic) in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
Ensures compliance with IDEA, Tennessee Department of Education, Journey Community Schools, and Local Educational Agency (LEA)
Demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior in all interactions with students, teammates, and stakeholders
Performs other duties as assigned
What You Will Bring
Required
Knowledge,
Skills &
Abilities:
Strong problem-solving and consensus-building abilities
Knowledge of instructional strategies for students with significant disabilities
Ability to develop and implement IEPs and behavior support plans
Strong organizational, collaboration, and communication skills
Experience collaborating with paraprofessionals
CPI or similar crisis prevention/de-escalation training
Ability to collaborate with colleagues, parents and community
Education
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field
Master’s degree preferred
Licensure
Requirements:
Valid teaching license and endorsement in Special Education (144 Interventionist K-8, 146 Interventionist 6-12, 460 Sped Modified K-12, 461 Special Education Comprehensive, K–12) with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), or a valid Special Education teaching license and endorsement from a state that offers reciprocity with Tennessee.
Experience
Requirements:
2+ years of working with students K-8 students, particularly those reading two or more years behind grade level
2+ years of teaching in an inclusion classroom or using a co-teaching model
Experience supporting students with a range of disabilities in general education classrooms
Experience in an inclusion or co-teaching model
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or similar crisis prevention/de-escalation training
Compensation
Journey Community Schools offers its employees a competitive salary and benefits, including paid time off, rich benefit plans, life insurance/short-term and long-term disability, participation in a TN state retirement plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and adoption assistance program.
Journey Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. JCS promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.
Market context
Tennessee special education roles stay competitive
Special education and intervention roles in Tennessee are often in steady demand because schools need licensed educators who can support K-8 students with diverse learning needs. This position is competitive for candidates with a Tennessee Special Education license or reciprocity eligibility, a relevant bachelor’s degree, and experience working with K-8 students; a master’s degree can strengthen an application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your license status and tailor your resume to highlight student support and intervention experience.
