About us
Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is a K-8th grade college preparatory school focused on literacy. We are a small school focused on literacy and ensuring scholars are on the path to college.
Memphis Merit Academy Charter School Job Description: Special Education Teacher
About Memphis Merit Academy
Memphis Merit Academy Charter School i s an academically challenging, highly structured, and joyful elementary school in Memphis, TN. Through rigorous academics, high quality instruction, and character development, Memphis Merit Academy ensures all kindergarten through eighth grade students achieve the academic skills, knowledge, and moral foundation to be firmly on the path to college after matriculating through our school.
Be a Founding Teacher at Memphis Merit Academy
Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is a structured organization and culture that embraces urgency and efficiency and celebrates achievement. To achieve our mission, Memphis Merit Academy
will operate in a fiscally sound, organized, and efficient manner to ensure accountability and to protect every instructional minute. M* emphis Merit Special Education Teachers *r eport directly to the Student
Support Coordinator and assists with various projects and tasks to ensure a focused and effective learning environment. We are actively searching for a dynamic person(s) to fill our founding teacher positions. Memphis Merit Special Education Teachers are strategic, engaging, knowledgeable, and adamant about academic results.
In August 2019, Memphis Merit Academy Charter School o pened its doors to 120 kindergarten and first grade students, and we will grow by 60 students until we reach full capacity of 540 students during the 2027-2028 school year. We are actively building a founding team that shares our belief that with rigorous academics, high quality instruction, and charter development all students are capable of excelling in high school, college, and life. Memphis Merit Special Education Teachers must be passionate, detail oriented, and unrelenting in their belief of all children deserving a high-quality education regardless of their demographics.
Job Summary
The foundation of academic excellence lies in a school that is strong in rigorous academics, high quality instruction, and character development. Memphis Merit Special Education Teachers are directly responsible for planning a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students and creating a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and is developmentally appropriate maturity and interest of the students.
Qualifications
Memphis Merit Academy h as launched an urgent search for a committed, resilient, and results-oriented S* pecial Education Teacher.* We will consider candidates who:
- Embody the mission, vision, and core values of Memphis Merit Academy ( Respect, Integrity,
Self-Determination, and Excellence)
- Unwavering belief that there is not a more urgent task than providing an outstanding academic and character education to students from urban backgrounds
- Exhibit teamwork and works well within a team of high-performers
Memphis Merit Academy Charter School i_ s an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy or veteran status._
- Are results-oriented and goal-driven, critical thinker, problem solver, analytical, and embody a can-do spirit and strong work ethic
- Promote continuous improvement by being open to feedback; are self-reflective and humble
- Excellent verbal, oral, and written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making
Instructional Strategies
1. Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the State
Department of Education and Exceptional Children’s Department.
2. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations and differentiation for student learning styles.
3. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Tennessee Department of Education, board policies, and administrative regulations.
4. Collaborate with other members of staff for planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives, and best practices according to district requirements.
5. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
6. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
Student Growth and Development
1. Plan and use appropriate instructional strategies, assessment, activities, materials, and technology that reflect accommodations for individual needs of students assigned.
2. Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curriculum as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
3. Assist students in analyzing and improving student methods and habits.
4. Consistently monitor student achievement through formal and informal assessment and use results to plan for instructional delivery.
5. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
6. Sponsor outside activities approved by the Student Support Coordinator and Head of School.
Classroom Management and Organization
1. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of the student.
2. Manage student behavior and administer discipline according to Board policies, administrative regulations, and follow laws of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
3. Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct handbook and Procedure Safeguards.
4. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
Communication
1. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
2. Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
3. Present a positive role model for students, staff, parents, and community members by demonstrating behavior that is professional, ethical, responsible, and aligned with Memphis Merit
Memphis Merit Academy Charter School i_ s an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy or veteran status._
Academy Charter School’s Code of Ethics and ESSA.
4. Articulate and provide support for the campus and district mission and goals to parents, colleagues, and community members.
5. Demonstrate awareness of district/community needs and initiate activities to meet identified needs.
6. Demonstrate the use of appropriate and effective techniques for engaging parents and community.
7. Provide parents, staff, and admin team with IEPs at Glance and updated goal revisions based off of students’ individual IEP goals.
Professional Growth and Development
1. Engage in and implement new learning from professional development activities correlated with teaching assignment and with school and state goals.
2. Keep informed of and complies with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
Student Support Services
1. Create and oversee a comprehensive Response to Intervention program
2. Manage and oversee individual student caseloads and conduct appropriate IEP meetings that are specific to student needs
3. Communicate with the SCS School Psychologist and Speech Language Pathologist to schedule
IEP meetings
4. Support teachers in inclusionary practice to improve on student academics and goals
5. Ability to support small groups of students for instructional resources based on IEP goals
6. Implement a comprehensive Response to Intervention program
7. Implement 504 plans, SPED, Gifted, and ELL programming
8. Planning and discussion of school initiatives
Required Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Tennessee teaching certification required for Special Education required
- A minimum of 2 years teaching experience required
- Experience working with under-resourced communities, families, and/or students
- Demonstrated success in building relationships and trust with leaders, teachers, parents, and community
- Proven written and verbal communication skills with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Desired Experience
Memphis Merit Academy Charter School i_ s an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy or veteran status._
- Demonstrated success in building relationships and trust with leaders, teachers, parents, students, and community
- Demonstrated effective teacher effectiveness with underserved and special populations of students
- Demonstrated knowledge of Common Core State Standards and instructional shifts
- Have experience maintaining a Caseload from Ed Plan with 10+ students (avoiding red stop signs)
Disclaimer
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
Memphis Merit Academy Charter Schoolis an Equal Opportunity Employer. MMA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
Memphis Merit Academy Charter School i_ s an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy or veteran status._
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Grade school specialties:
- 1st grade
- 2nd grade
- 3rd grade
- 4th grade
- 5th grade
- 6th grade
Physical setting:
- Charter school
- Public school
Schedule:
Experience:
- Special education: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Teaching Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person