Upper School: Homebound Teacher

Emerald Charter Schools; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Emerald Academy seeks a Homebound Teacher to provide individualized after-school instruction to an 8th-grade scholar who cannot attend in person due to a health condition. The role can be standalone part-time or paired with other part-time Emerald Academy positions.

Schedule is after-school and flexible, with compensation Exempt, part-time and based on licensure and experience. The teacher collaborates with families, S-Team/IEP teams, and school leadership to ensure continuity of learning.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid Tennessee teaching license in Middle Grades (4-8) or Special Education endorsement.
• Experience working with middle/upper school scholars is strongly preferred.
• Must maintain licensure and pass required background checks.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to students' homes.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, individualized instruction to an 8th-grade homebound scholar after school.
• Coordinate with the scholar’s family and school teams to align with IEPs and curricula.
• Maintain up-to-date progress reports and conferences with families.
• Adhere to school policies and home visit procedures.

Skills

Teaching License TN Middle Grades 4-8

Experience with middle/upper school

Background checks compliant

Education

TN teaching license with Special Education endorsement

Job description

HOMEBOUND TEACHER

Middle Grades – Exempt, part-time

THE OPPORTUNITY

Emerald Academy is seeking an innovative, compassionate, and values-aligned educator to serve as a Homebound Teacher, providing individualized instruction to a scholar who is unable to attend school due to a documented medical or health condition. This role is essential to ensuring every Emerald scholar continues to grow academically, no matter their circumstances, and is dedicated to the school's mission, vision, and values.

This position offers flexible, after-school scheduling and can be structured as a stand-alone part-time role or combined with substitute teaching, tutoring, or other part-time assignments at Emerald Academy for educators seeking additional hours.

ABOUT EMERALD ACADEMY

Emerald Academy is Knox County's first public charter school, preparing urban scholars for the college of their choice and community leadership. Our team lives out five core values every day:

• High Expectations – We believe everyone can achieve.
• Excellence – We keep learning so we can be the best.
• Respect – We treat others the way we want them to treat us.
• Teamwork – We work together.
• Commitment – We press on, even when it gets hard.

JOB SUMMARY

The Homebound Teacher provides direct, individualized instruction to a scholar who is temporarily unable to attend school in person, following the assignments and pacing set by the scholar's teacher(s), S-Team, or IEP Team. Instruction typically takes place in the scholar's home, in coordination with the family, and is scheduled during after-school hours.

POSITION DETAILS

Reports To: 6-8 Grade Band Director

Schedule: After-school hours, by arrangement with the family (daytime hours during a school closure or extended absence may be considered case-by-case)

Weekly Hours: Hours are determined individually based on the scholar’s educational needs and the recommendation or determination of the appropriate school-based team, including the S-Team, 504 Team, or IEP Team, as applicable. Homebound instruction is generally no less than three hours per week while school is in session, but additional hours may be required depending on the scholar’s circumstances, plan, and length of absence.

Compensation: Exempt, part-time; commensurate with experience and licensure

Grade Level: 8th

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must hold a valid Tennessee teaching license in Middle Grades (4-8), or a Tennessee teaching license with an endorsement in Special Education; license must be on file with the Human Resources office prior to beginning work.
• Experience working with middle or upper school scholars strongly preferred; experience with scholars with IEPs or 504 plans is a plus.
• It is the responsibility of the employee to secure and maintain a valid license. A lapsed or invalid license may result in immediate suspension pending resolution.
• Demonstrated competency based on current job assignment and performance standards as outlined in the applicable state model for local evaluation.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to the scholar's home for instruction.
• Ability to pass required background checks.
• Alternative qualifications may be considered at the discretion of the School Director/Principal, provided the candidate meets all applicable licensure, background check, and legal requirements for the assignment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / JOB DUTIES

• Report to the School Director/Principal.
• Provide direct, individualized instruction to the assigned homebound scholar in core academic subjects, which may include English/language arts, math, science, and/or social studies, consistent with the scholar’s grade-level curriculum, assigned coursework, and applicable educational plan.
• Deliver instruction in the subject areas assigned by the S-Team or IEP Team.
• Follow the state and local course of study, and adhere to the rules, regulations, and policies of the state and the Emerald Charter Schools Board.
• Maintain cordial, respectful relationships with the scholar's family and serve as a liaison between the home, school, and community.
• Keep the family informed of the scholar's progress and hold conferences with the family and school staff as needed.
• Submit grades and progress updates on a regular schedule to school personnel and the Central Office, and complete all forms and procedures associated with the Home Instruction Program.
• Report to the School Director/Principal any known or reasonably suspected harm to a child's health or welfare resulting from abuse or neglect.
• Establish and maintain a safe, respectful working relationship within both the school and home environment.
• Communicate proactively with school leadership regarding scheduling, scholar engagement, and any changes to the scholar's circumstances or availability.
• Coordinate with classroom teachers, case managers, related service providers, and school leadership to ensure instruction aligns with the scholar’s current assignments, accommodations, modifications, and educational plan.
• Maintain confidentiality of scholar records, health-related information, family information, and educational plans in accordance with school policy and applicable federal and state requirements.
• Follow all school procedures for home visits, including scheduling, sign-in/sign-out, communication with the family and school, maintaining professional boundaries, and reporting any safety concerns immediately to school leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Emerald Academy is an equal opportunity employer.