Lead Special Education Functional Skills Teacher

JOURNEY EAST ACADEMY; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability insurance (short-term &

Retirement plan (TN)

Tuition reimbursement

Adoption assistance

Job summary

Journey Community Schools is seeking a dedicated Special Education Functional Skills teacher to provide instruction and support for students with significant cognitive, developmental, adaptive, or physical needs. You will design individualized, standards-aligned instruction focused on functional academics, life skills, communication, social-emotional development, and independence.

You’ll collaborate with families, staff, and service providers to ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment and

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Develops, adapts, and implements 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 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

Skills

Strong problem-solving

Collaboration

IEP development

Behavior support

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Journey Community Schools is seeking a dedicated Special Education Functional Skills teacher to provide instruction and support for students with significant cognitive, developmental, adaptive, or physical needs. You will design individualized, standards-aligned instruction focused on functional academics, life skills, communication, social-emotional development, and independence.

You’ll collaborate with families, staff, and service providers to ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment and