Special Education Teacher

Role Overview

We're seeking a dedicated Special Education Teacher to join a collaborative elementary school team serving Pre-K students with diverse learning needs. In this role, you'll provide individualized instruction, develop meaningful learning experiences, and help young learners build the academic, social, emotional, and life skills they need to thrive.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact during one of the most important stages of child development. You'll work alongside general education teachers, related service providers, school leaders, and families to create an inclusive learning environment where every student is supported, challenged, and celebrated.

School Overview

This well-established public elementary school is part of a highly regarded district known for its commitment to student success, collaborative culture, and strong support for educators. The school serves a diverse community of learners and prioritizes inclusion, innovation, and high-quality instruction.

Educators are encouraged to collaborate, grow professionally, and contribute to a culture where students' individual strengths and needs drive instructional decisions. The school values creativity, teamwork, and meaningful partnerships with families to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

About the Students

You'll support young learners with a variety of educational, developmental, behavioral, and communication needs through individualized instruction and specially designed services.

Working across self-contained, resource, or inclusive settings as assigned, you'll help students develop academically while also fostering independence, confidence, social-emotional growth, and essential life skills.

What You'll Do

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that support each student's unique strengths and goals.
• Design and deliver engaging, differentiated instruction aligned to students' individual learning needs.
• Adapt curriculum, instructional materials, and classroom activities to maximize student success.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to provide meaningful access to grade-level curriculum and inclusive learning experiences.
• Use ongoing formal and informal assessments to monitor progress and adjust instruction.
• Create a classroom environment that is structured, supportive, safe, and responsive to students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Partner closely with families through regular communication, conferences, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Plan and facilitate IEP meetings while maintaining accurate documentation and compliance with federal, state, and local special education requirements.
• Supervise and guide paraprofessionals to ensure consistent implementation of student supports.
• Coordinate with related service providers and outside specialists to address students' educational, behavioral, medical, and developmental needs.
• Support student behavior through proactive classroom management, positive interventions, and crisis response strategies when necessary.
• Participate actively in professional learning, school initiatives, and collaborative team meetings.

What Makes Someone Successful

You'll thrive in this role if you:

• Believe every student can grow when provided individualized support and high expectations.
• Build trusting relationships with students while maintaining consistent routines and structure.
• Are collaborative and enjoy partnering with teachers, therapists, administrators, and families.
• Can balance compassion with strong instructional practices and classroom management.
• Are organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing IEP timelines, documentation, and compliance responsibilities.
• Adapt your teaching to meet a wide range of developmental, academic, behavioral, and communication needs.
• Remain calm, flexible, and solution-oriented in dynamic classroom situations.

Logistics & Compensation

• Location: Franklin, Tennessee
• Position Type: Full-time
• Start Date: August 2026
• Schedule: 7:45am-3:15pm with occasional meetings and professional development
• Compensation: Competitive salary based on district pay scale
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package provided

Working with Thrive

When you explore opportunities through Thrive Education Partners, you'll have a dedicated partner throughout the hiring process and beyond.

We'll help you learn more about the school, answer questions as they arise, and provide guidance as you move through interviews and onboarding. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed and supported as you consider whether this opportunity is the right fit.

Once you're in the role, we'll continue to stay connected throughout your first year. Whether it's celebrating milestones, checking in as you navigate a new school community, or serving as a resource when questions arise, we're committed to supporting your long-term success—not just helping you land your next position.

Why This Role

Exceptional special educators know that success is measured in moments that often go unseen—a student communicating a need for the first time, mastering a new skill, building confidence, or taking an important step toward greater independence.

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a collaborative school community that values inclusion, professional growth, and individualized instruction. You'll have the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners while working alongside colleagues who share a commitment to helping every student reach their potential.

About Thrive

Thrive Education Partners connects exceptional educators with schools and families seeking thoughtful, student-centered professionals.

We believe great teaching is deeply relational. Our goal is to help educators find meaningful opportunities where they can build lasting impact, support student growth, and do the work they love in environments that value both excellence and compassion.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Special Education or a related field.
• Valid Tennessee teaching license with a Special Education endorsement (or eligibility to obtain one).
• Strong understanding of the IEP process, including development, implementation, and progress monitoring.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction and evidence-based practices for supporting students with diverse learning needs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with families, general education teachers, related service providers, and school leaders.
• Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, student-centered learning environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching students in early childhood or elementary special education settings.
• Experience supporting students with a range of academic, behavioral, developmental, and communication needs.
• Familiarity with inclusive classroom practices and collaborative teaching models.
• Experience supervising or partnering with paraprofessionals.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and collaborative problem-solving.

Physical & Classroom Responsibilities

• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including assisting students with mobility, personal care, and classroom safety as needed.
• Ability to implement behavior intervention and crisis response procedures in accordance with school and state guidelines.