Special Education Teacher Jobs in Tennessee
Special Education Teacher jobs in Tennessee are in strong and steady demand, concentrated across public school districts, private therapeutic day schools, and charter networks, with openings at every level from newly licensed teachers to lead specialists and instructional coaches. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville generate the largest share of postings, anchored by employers like Metro Nashville Public Schools, Shelby County Schools, and Knox County Schools. The most sought-after specialties are autism spectrum support, emotional and behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Overview
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Special Education Teacher to join our vibrant educational community. In this role, you will create an inclusive and nurturing classroom environment that supports the diverse needs of students with disabilities and developmental challenges. Your expertise will help foster academic growth, social-emotional development, and independence among your students. You will collaborate closely with families, other educators, therapists, and support staff to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and ensure each student receives tailored instructional strategies. This is a paid position committed to empowering students to reach their full potential through innovative teaching methods and compassionate care.
Duties
- Develop and implement engaging, evidence-based lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards and individualized education plans (IEPs).
- Adapt instructional materials and teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum or with developmental disabilities.
- Utilize behavioral management techniques and behavior therapy strategies to promote positive classroom behavior and social skills.
- Incorporate educational technology tools to enhance learning experiences and facilitate communication for students with speech or language impairments.
- Conduct assessments, monitor progress, and adjust instruction accordingly to ensure continuous academic growth in literacy, math, and other core subjects.
- Collaborate regularly with speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, parents, and other professionals to support comprehensive student development.
- Maintain detailed documentation of student progress, IEP goals, behavioral incidents, and instructional modifications in compliance with special education law.
Experience
- Proven classroom experience working with children or students in elementary or preschool settings.
- Demonstrated expertise in special education practices, including curriculum development for diverse learners.
- Experience working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or other developmental disabilities.
- Knowledge of early childhood education principles and early intervention strategies for young learners.
- Familiarity with behavioral health approaches, behavior management techniques, and behavioral therapy methods tailored for students with special needs.
- Strong communication skills for effective parent-teacher collaboration and team coordination.
- Prior experience integrating educational technology into lesson planning and instruction for students with disabilities.
Join us in making a meaningful difference by inspiring confidence and independence in every student! We value energetic educators who are committed to fostering inclusive classrooms where all children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to grow professionally while positively impacting young lives through innovative teaching and compassionate support.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 68 Special Education Teacher Jobs in Tennessee
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Find JobsSpecial Education Teacher Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Special Education Teacher Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Fort Madison Community School District19

- Ampersand Therapy13

- Murfreesboro City Schools4

- Memphis-Shelby County Schools4

- Wilson County School District4

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education teacher jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee teaching license with a Special Education endorsement issued by the Tennessee Department of Education
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Special Education or a closely related field from an accredited institution
- Ability to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs in compliance with federal IDEA requirements
- Experience or coursework in evidence-based instructional strategies for students with diverse learning needs
- Strong classroom and behavior management skills, including crisis de-escalation training such as CPI certification
- Effective collaboration with general education teachers, parents, and multidisciplinary support teams
Special Education Teacher Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a special education teacher in Tennessee?
You become a special education teacher in Tennessee by earning a bachelor's degree in Special Education or a closely related field, completing a state-approved educator preparation program, and obtaining a Tennessee teaching license with a Special Education endorsement through the Tennessee Department of Education. Licensure requires passing the Praxis Core and the appropriate Special Education Praxis content exam. Candidates who hold an out-of-state license may apply for reciprocity review through the department.
How much do special education teachers make in Tennessee?
Special education teachers in Tennessee earn a median of about $59,550 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $44,210 for the lowest 10% to over $77,900 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire special education teachers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring special education teachers in Tennessee right now include Fort Madison Community School District, Ampersand Therapy, and Murfreesboro City Schools, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Tennessee's large urban school districts and private therapeutic schools account for a significant portion of consistent openings across the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most special education teacher jobs?
Nashville, Memphis, and Shelbyville have the most special education teacher openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because Metro Nashville Public Schools is among the largest employers in the state, while Memphis draws volume through Shelby County Schools and a cluster of charter networks, and Knoxville reflects steady demand from Knox County Schools along with nearby suburban districts in Anderson and Blount counties.
Are there remote special education teacher jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Special education teaching is fundamentally a hands-on, in-person role requiring direct support, observation, and IEP implementation for students with disabilities. About 0% of special education teacher openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions most often involve virtual instruction for homebound students or remote IEP case management and consultation roles rather than full classroom teaching.
How can I get hired as a special education teacher in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a special education paraprofessional or instructional aide position with a large district like Metro Nashville Public Schools or Shelby County Schools, which regularly hire associates without classroom experience. Working as a paraprofessional builds direct IEP exposure while you complete your Praxis exams and Tennessee licensure. Completing a state-approved residency or student-teaching placement at a Tennessee school and holding a current special education endorsement application in progress gives candidates a clear edge with hiring administrators.
Where can I find and apply to special education teacher jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to special education teacher jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings across school districts, charter schools, and private therapeutic programs. Find roles that fit your experience and endorsement area and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 68 Special Education Teacher Jobs in Tennessee
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