Special Education Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Special Education Teacher – Youth Behavioral Health

Location: Nashville, TN (Harpeth Primary Assessment Center)
Job Type: Full-Time | 
Pay: $70,000 - $75,000 /year

Sign On Bonus : $10,000 

About Youth Opportunity & Walnut Rosewood Youth Academy 

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at-risk youth. In Nashville, Tennessee, Walnut Youth Academy and Rosewood Youth Academy each provide structured, trauma-informed residential treatment in 30-bed settings.

Walnut Youth Academy serves girls ages 13 to 18, while Rosewood Youth Academy serves boys ages 13 to 19 in a secure treatment environment. Both programs offer a comprehensive combination of intensive mental health treatment, substance use intervention and prevention, academic instruction, therapeutic recreation, restorative justice, expressive therapies, and enrichment opportunities such as art, music, recreation, and dedicated educational programming.

Youth typically remain in care for about six months and participate in individual, family, and group therapy; life and social skills training; anger replacement training; psychoeducation; victim impact awareness; substance use programming; and, where appropriate, pre-vocational preparation. Programming is delivered 24/7 in small group living units, providing a structured and supportive environment focused on treatment, growth, skill development, and successful community reintegration.

Position Summary – Special Education Teacher Job in Nashville, TN

We are hiring a Special Education Teacher for students in grades 6-12 in English, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies to join our education team at Walnut Rosewood Youth Academy. This role is ideal for educators passionate about helping at-risk youth with behavioral health and emotional regulation needs succeed in the classroom. You will be responsible for providing direct instruction, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting youth through trauma-informed, evidence-based education programs.

Special Education Teacher Job Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – Earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Why Join Youth Opportunity?

• Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth
• Help shape the academic success of youth in mental health treatment
• Work in a secure, structured, and therapeutic educational environment
• Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

Special Education Teacher Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver individualized lesson plans for youth with diverse learning needs
• Instruct students in academics, interpersonal skills, and activities of daily living
• Administer assessments and create individualized education plans (IEPs)
• Adapt classroom work for inclusion and specialized learning environments
• Track student progress through documentation, grades, and behavioral records
• Counsel students on academic, social, and behavioral issues as appropriate
• Collaborate with other teachers, clinical staff, administrators, and guardians
• Maintain a safe, trauma-informed classroom environment that promotes learning
• Comply with state regulations and facility policies related to education and special education

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or Special Education
• Valid Tennessee Teaching License with Special Education Endorsement
• Ability to pass background check and drug screen
• Strong organizational skills and commitment to youth success
• Willingness to work with youth in behavioral health and challenging environments

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years teaching in special education settings
• Experience working with youth with developmental, intellectual, or behavioral disabilities
• Familiarity with trauma-informed education, IEP development, and EMR systems

Other Requirements

• Physical Demands: Ability to sit for extended periods and tolerate prolonged data entry. Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by the state and to the extent that knowledge is attainable under the law.
• Other: Must maintain an appropriate and valid state driver’s license. Must meet state criminal background check requirements.

How to Apply

Click “Apply Now” through Indeed to submit your application. Or visit to learn more about our mission and career opportunities.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.