Job Description: Special Education Teacher

Department: School Principal

Last Revised: April 2026

Job Summary

The Special Education Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Tennessee State Board of Education rules, and district policies. The teacher develops, implements, and monitors Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure students access the general education curriculum and make meaningful educational progress.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Provide specially designed instruction aligned to student IEP goals and grade-level standards.
Adapt curriculum, materials, and instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
Implement evidence-based instructional practices and interventions.
Support students in inclusive, resource, or self-contained settings as appropriate.
Utilize assistive technology and accommodations to increase student access.
Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Program (IEPs).
Ensure compliance with all federal and state timelines and procedural safeguards.
Collect and analyze data to measure student progress toward IEP goals.
Prepare and maintain accurate and compliant documentation.
Participate in eligibility, reevaluation, and IEP team meetings.
Administer and interpret formal and informal assessments.
Monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly
Communicate progress regularly with families and stakeholders.
Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusion and co-teaching models.
Work with related service providers (speech, OT/PT, school psychologists, etc.).
Participate in RTI2/S-Team processes and problem-solving teams.
Maintain positive communication with parents/guardians.
Implement positive behavior supports and intervention strategies.
Develop and monitor Behavior Intervention Plans (BIIPs) as needed.
Create a structured, safe, and supportive learning environment.
Maintain confidentiality of student information.
Participate in professional development and ongoing training.
Stay current with best practices and legal requirements in special education.
Performs such other duties as may reasonably be prescribed by the principal.

Minimum Education and Experience

A bachelor's degree in special education
Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA and Tennessee special education procedures
experience working with elementary students.

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Required Licenses or Certifications

Valid Tennessee teaching license with appropriate Special Education endorsement

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Key Competencies

Specific capacities and abilities may be required of an individual in order to learn or perform adequately a task or job duty.

Knowledge of

Special education law (IDEA, Section 504, Tennessee regulations)
IEP development, implementation, and compliance requirements
Differentiated instruction and intervention strategies
Behavior management and positive behavior supports
Assessment practices and data-driven instruction

Skill in

Instructional planning and adaptation
Data analysis and progress monitoring
Collaboration and co-teaching
Communication with diverse stakeholders
Organization and documentation

Ability to

Ability to individualize instruction for diverse learners
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and timelines
Ability to build strong relationships with students and families
Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the listed functions.

The essential functions of this position must be performed on-site at the assigned work location. This role is not designated as a remote or hybrid position.
Physical presence at work is an essential function of this position.
This job may require lifting of objects that exceed 25 lbs. Other physical demands that may be required are as follows:
Pushing and/or pulling
Climbing
Stooping and/or kneeling
Reaching
Talking
Hearing
Seeing
Adaptability to perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure; accepting responsibility for the direction, control, or planning of an activity; dealing with students; generalizing, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria.
Ability to understand instructions and underlying principles; reason and make judgments; understand meanings of words and the ideas associated with them; perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately; move the hands easily and manipulate small objects with the fingers; make visual comparisons and discriminations and see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures; perceive or recognize similarities or differences in colors or shades or other values of the same color.
Low to medium degree of discomfort due to exposure to temperature, fumes, dirt, dust, noise, and cleaning chemicals.
This role works in a dynamic and engaging classroom environment designed to foster student learning, growth, and development. The classroom will be organized to support a range of instructional activities, with appropriate resources and materials available for hands-on learning.
This position manages a diverse group of students, guiding them through the academic curriculum while maintaining a positive and structured classroom atmosphere. The role involves adapting instructional methods to accommodate various learning styles and abilities, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to succeed. The teacher will maintain effective classroom management practices to create a respectful and collaborative environment that promotes student engagement and achievement.
The position also requires effective communication with parents and colleagues to support the holistic development of students and ensure alignment with school goals. Collaboration with other staff members and participation in school-wide initiatives will be essential to ensure a cohesive educational experience for all students.
Regular assessment of student progress and the implementation of individualized support plans will be key components of the teacher's responsibilities. The teacher will be responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning space that encourages exploration and academic curiosity.

Terms Of Employment

Salary and work year to be established by the Board.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned.