Tennessee functional skills special education role
Tennessee schools often need special education teachers who can support students in functional skills or self-contained settings, especially when openings require both licensure and classroom experience. These roles are competitive because districts look for candidates with a Tennessee Special Education license, a relevant education degree, and proven experience managing individualized instruction and daily living skill development. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly confirm fit, then prepare examples of your classroom experience and licensure status before applying.
Quick overview
The teacher provides specialized instruction in functional academics and life skills to students with significant cognitive and physical needs. Responsibilities include developing IEPs, implementing behavior plans, and collaborating with families and service providers.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Education and a valid Tennessee Special Education teaching license. Candidates must have at least 2 years of experience in a functional skills or self-contained classroom.
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 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.
What You Will Do
Instruction & Curriculum
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
Benefits
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Health Insurance
Short-term Disability
Long-term Disability
Adoption Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement Plan
TN State Retirement Plan
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
Assessment & Progress Monitoring
Administers developmental assessments, curriculum-based measures, and subject-specific assignments to assess student competency
Collects, analyzes, and uses data to adjust instruction and support student growth
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 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
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 (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 teaching in a functional skills, life skills, or self-contained classroom
Experience collaborating with paraprofessionals
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.
