Job Description: High School Special Education Teacher

Our School: Libertas is a public charter school serving the Frayser neighborhood in Memphis. Our mission is to be a school for human flourishing: cultivating minds, hands, and hearts for lives of wonder, work, and love. We offer a rich, rigorous, and personalized education through the method of Dr. Maria Montessori and the classical liberal arts. We offer an attachment village of wraparound family supports and develop virtues of character. Tennessee has twice named Libertas a Reward School - a top 15% school. Approximately 80% of Libertas students are Black/African American, over 83% are eligible for free or reduced price meals, and over 30% receive special education services. We currently serve infant and toddler, early childhood and elementary at our founding location and a middle school on a second nearby campus. We also operate a nationally- accredited, state-licensed teacher training program.

In summer 2027, we will launch a small-by-design high school, ultimately serving 250 students in grades 9-12 at a third nearby campus. Our holistic, humane education will bring together deep engagement with rich literary and cultural traditions with meaningful contribution through student enterprise and the “work of the hand.” We will prepare graduates with independence and responsibility as they enter college or pursue meaningful careers, and all participate in civic life.  Learn more about Libertas on our website.

Role Summary

• Offer high-quality instruction to high school students using Libertas-provided curriculum in a unique, personalized environment. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help found a nationally-recognized and trajectory-changing high school for human flourishing.

• Libertas School is recognized for our highly effective special education programs, and over 30% of currently enrolled students have IEPs. As we prepare to expand our special education program to the high school level, we anticipate hiring licensed special educators for a full-day functional skills classroom as well as for special education co-teaching and resource teaching.
• Full-time role. School day hours are yet to be determined (current teacher hours are 7:30 to 3:30 at our lower school at 7:45 to 3:45 at our middle school, with one additional hour after school one day per week for professional development). Most lead teachers spend approximately 4-6 hours per week outside of the regular school day for planning, collaboration, and preparation.
• Start date: Summer 2027
• Measures of success for the position include student academic growth, family satisfaction, observation feedback, performance evaluations, and related indicators.
• Meaningful professional development and advancement opportunities.
• Reports to: High School Director.
• Key relationships: Students and families; teachers; support staff.

Key Responsibilities

Planning and Instruction

• Plan and implement high-quality instruction for daily student lessons in alignment with our school curriculum. Prepare lessons and materials and organize the classroom.
• Submit lesson plans weekly for review and incorporate feedback into planning
• Regularly observe students to inform instruction. Collect and analyze assessment data.
• Teach students with diverse needs in an inclusive environment; implement IEP accommodations and modifications with support from Student Support Team / special education staff. Participate in our Child Study process, including presenting data and implementing plans.

School Culture

• Foster habits of excellence, including order and grace & courtesy, through schoolwide and classroom-level practices and rituals such as: connecting before redirecting; using a warm and firm tone; tending the heart of virtue through presenting beautiful, enduring literature; and sharing responsibility for all our students.
• Serve as a model of character and striving toward virtue.
• Supervise students within the classroom and outside of the classroom.

Family Communication

• Communicate frequently with families.
• Prepare quarterly report cards and regular progress reports to share about student progress.

Professional Development and Relationships

• Participate in formal check-in with assigned academic support team member at least biweekly.
• Engage in teacher meetings, team planning, professional development, and data reviews.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Traits

• Two or more years of effective teaching experience in schools in underserved communities (preferred).
• Willing to serve all students, regardless of background or needs, in an inclusive and supportive setting.
• Knowledge of curriculum content and students’ developmental needs.
• Skills in instructional practices and classroom management for student achievement.
• Interest in and commitment to Montessori pedagogy, liberal arts, and humane education.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree and appropriate teacher license (Note: a Montessori credential is not required for secondary grades teachers, but all staff will receive professional development in the Montessori method)
• Love of learning
• Flexibility, initiative, and personal responsibility to work in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Fortitude for the challenges we will face
• Warm and firm demeanor
• Work collaboratively with a growth mindset. Give and receive feedback in a spirit of craftsmanship.

Compensation

• Salary/wage competitive with the local school district and nearby charter schools.
• Eligible for salary increases for performance or stipends for additional duties.
• Investment in faculty professional development and growth. We also offer to eligible applicants our Teacher Residency program, which provides financial sponsorship and additional coaching and support to achieve state licensure and/or Montessori certification. Please contact us for more details.
• Paid sick leave. Deferred pay model distributes salary throughout the year (including breaks and vacations).
• Full-time employees are eligible for health insurance benefits, which we sponsor at an above-market rate (including family coverage). We also offer dental, vision, and other benefits, and retirement plans similar to local schools.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply online at www.LibertasMemphis.org, where candidates can also learn more about our school. Please submit a resume, at least three references, and a cover letter (required) explaining why you would be a good fit for this position. Please direct any questions to talent@LibertasMemphis.org. Libertas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.