Upper School: 8th Grade Math & Algebra 1 Teacher

Emerald Charter Schools; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, & Life Insurance

Short Term & Long Term Disability

Paid Sick Leave

Retirement – competitive Co. Contribution

Job summary

Emerald Charter Schools in Knoxville is seeking a Lead Teacher to help prepare scholars for college and community leadership. The ideal candidate will hold a Tennessee Teacher License for middle grades math, excel in delivering engaging lessons, and collaborate with families and staff to ensure academic success.

This position emphasizes high expectations, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to developing leader-minded scholars. Join us and contribute to transforming educational experiences for our students.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Tennessee Teacher License for middle grades math.
• Willingness to add Algebra endorsement if not already held.
• Must demonstrate a growth mindset and passion for education.

Responsibilities

• Deliver instruction and manage the classroom to maximize student engagement.
• Teach 1 block of Algebra and two blocks of 8th grade math.
• Communicate and build strong partnerships with families.

Skills

Tennessee Teacher License for middle grades math

Willingness to add Algebra endorsement

Teaching experience

Passion for education

Collaborative problem-solving

Demonstrated expertise in literacy instruction

Growth mindset

Education

Tennessee Teacher License

Job description

The Opportunity

Emerald Academy is seeking an innovative, highly‑motivated, and values‑aligned leader to help grow scholars into leaders in urban Knoxville. The role is goal‑oriented and dedicated to the school’s mission, vision, and values. Candidates will have the unique opportunity to mold the next chapter of Emerald Academy by embracing a student‑centered learning environment that prepares every child for college and career. Faculty work to accomplish the school’s three goals: every scholar reads at or above grade level, every scholar is well prepared for a four‑year college, and EA ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Tennessee.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Life Insurance
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• PTO
• Paid Sick Leave
• 13 paid Holidays
• School Holidays & Staff Development Days
• Retirement – competitive Co. Contribution

REPORTS TO: 6‑8 Grade Band Director, Director of School

START DATE: Academic Year 2026‑2027

TEACHER STARTING SALARY: $50,000

Job Summary

The Lead Teacher helps to prepare scholars for the college of their choice and community leadership. The Lead Teacher accomplishes this by delivering instruction and managing the classroom in ways that maximize scholars’ academic engagement and outcomes, making this role primarily scholar‑facing.

Job Goals

• Teach 1 block of Algebra and two blocks of 8th grade math.
• Design and implement rigorous lessons and classroom instruction with a focus on student achievement determined by demonstration of mastery.
• Create a classroom climate of high expectations that rewards perseverance through academically challenging materials, holding all students accountable to themselves and collaboratively to classmates while encouraging exploration and a love of learning.
• Communicate and build strong partnerships with families through phone calls, conferences, and home visits when appropriate.
• Use current student data to drive instruction, planning, and decision‑making.
• Work collaboratively with all Emerald Academy team members to ensure students achieve high levels.
• Develop processes that encourage student self‑assessment and self‑monitoring.
• Document, analyze, and summarize student progress based on both formal and informal assessment measures, to communicate with students, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Utilize technology to maintain student data and enhance student learning.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Tennessee Teacher License for middle grades math with willingness to add an Algebra endorsement if not already held.
• Must have an active TDOE Teaching License or have completed the TDOE Application process for current and active out‑of‑state license transfer prior to application.
• Must meet highly qualified status for the area(s) to be taught; 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 a record of demonstrated expertise in their domain—as well as literacy instruction.
• Must demonstrate a growth mindset—flexibility to learn new methods and present ideas to improve learning and the school.
• Must believe all kids can learn and achieve at high academic levels.
• Must commit to being an active part of a staff that will never tire in its efforts to have all our scholars succeed academically.

About the Academy

Emerald Academy is Knoxville’s first college preparatory charter school. We are committed to the singular focus of growing all scholars into leaders. As a K‑8 school of high expectations, we create the right learning culture for city students to thrive through innovative use of time, personalized focus on each scholar, and strong partnerships with scholars’ families and the community.

We believe all students should read at or above grade level by third grade and are committed to having 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 necessary to graduate from high school, enroll in college, and succeed in life.

Emerald Academy is an equal opportunity employer.