SPED/Inclusion Teacher

Lauderdale-County-Schools; Ripley (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Lauderdale-County-Schools is seeking a qualified Special Education teacher to provide learning activities and experiences designed to help students with special needs fulfill their potential. You will develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons aligned to IEP goals, working in self-contained, team, or itinerant settings as assigned.

The role requires collaboration with parents and staff, participation in IEP meetings, and the ability to adapt instruction to individual student needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and Tennessee teaching license with Special Education endorsement.
• Proficient knowledge of IEP goal setting and implementation.
• Ability to adapt curriculum and instruction for students with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with students, parents and staff to develop IEPs for assigned students.
• Implement instructional, therapeutic or skill-development programs with evidence of preparation.
• Assess student learning styles and plan suitable instructional strategies and materials.
• Present subject matter per IEP guidelines using varied instructional techniques and media.
• Modify regular curricula with teachers and assist students in regular classes as needed.
• Participate in IEP meetings regularly and help select educational materials.
• Coordinate books, equipment and other instructional media.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Supervise personal care and other supports as stated in IEP when required.
• Sponsor extracurricular activities and liaise with district resources.
• Communicate with parents, students and staff to maintain open channels.
• Maintain professional relationships and participate in staff development.
• Follow safety protocols and school policies for special education.

Skills

IEP goal setting

Curriculum adaptation

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tennessee teaching license

Special Education endorsement

Job description

Reports to: Principal

Date Revised: 06/12/2026

Primary Purpose:

Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to match student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Licensure:

• Bachelor's degree
• Valid Tennessee teaching license
• Applicable Special Education endorsement

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area
• Knowledge of Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs
• Effective communication skills

Experience:

• Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP for each student assigned.
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
4. Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned
5. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
6. Participate in IEP meetings on a regular basis.
7. Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
3. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
4. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
2. Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
3. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
4. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
5. Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.

Other

1. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
2. Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
3. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
4. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and board policies for special education teachers.
5. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
6. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
7. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct the work of instructional aide(s).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer, and other instructional equipment
• Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking
• Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist nonambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

Candidates must successfully pass a background check. Please note that any job offer extended will be contingent upon the results of both TBI and DCS background checks.The $39 fee is the applicant's responsibility and is non-refundable, payable upon the fingerprinting appointment.