Career Opportunities

We seek to build a team dedicated to the goal of dramatically improving student achievement, grounded in the belief that children from all backgrounds can succeed when given the opportunities they deserve, and committed to the core values of our department.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

Salary: Salary is based on State Special Schools Salary Scale

Reports to: Building Principal

Location Notes: This is an in-person position at the address below:

Tennessee School for the Blind

115 Stewarts Ferry Pike

Nashville, TN 37214

General Description:

The role of the ESL was created to assist in the teaching process, including supervising students in the classroom and other designated areas, creating lesson plans, delivering instruction, collaborating with colleagues, and addressing inquiries from students, parents, and guardians regarding the curriculum and student development. This job reports to the building Principal.

Minimum Qualification

· Minimum of a bachelor’s degree with certification as specified by state and federal standards for the teaching position held. master’s degree is preferred.

· Requires a TN teacher license as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. If no current Visually Impaired certification must be willing to obtain one, beginning an approved program within the first two years of employment.)

· Must have or be willing to obtain ESL endorsement within a specified period.

· Tennessee Teaching Endorsements: 490, 461,462

· Experience working with wide range of students with visual impairments, including students with different visual impairments, additional disabilities, and complex learning needs preferred.

· Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience preferred.

· Experience working with wide range of students with visual impairments, including students with different visual impairments, additional disabilities, and complex learning needs. Preferred not required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Creates and administers assessments tailored to specific subjects to evaluate students' skills and knowledge levels, as well as to customize personalized learning strategies.

· Develops a curriculum in the classroom setting that encourages students' future development and gives them opportunities for growth.

· Informs parents or legal guardians about the progress of their child, provides expectations, discusses the student's accomplishments, and suggests ways to support or enhance academic goals at home.

· Evaluates student advancement toward specified objectives, expectations, and/or goals to give feedback to students, parents, and administration.

· Works with teachers, school staff, parents, and community resources to enhance student success, meet classroom goals, and contribute to the school's improvement plan.

· Advise students to help them enhance their performance, well-being, problem-solving skills, and address various personal concerns.

· Tailors’ instruction to accommodate the varying needs of students to create a successful program that aligns with district standards.

· Guides students to enhance their academic performance with a specific curriculum.

· Ensures student conduct to create a secure and effective learning atmosphere.

· Observes students in different educational settings such as classrooms, school grounds, and field trips to ensure a safe and supportive learning atmosphere.

· Attends various meetings and professional development events to exchange and/or gather necessary information for carrying out job responsibilities.

· Creates different types of written documents (such as grades, lesson plans that follow a specific order, communication with parents and students, exams, quizzes, attendance records, and notes) to track student development and fulfill necessary guidelines.

· Records incidents such as fights, possible child abuse, potential substance abuse, harassment, and zero tolerance violations to ensure the safety of students, promote a positive learning environment, and follow state laws and school board policies.

· Reacting to urgent situations to address immediate safety issues and/or guiding individuals to the appropriate personnel for assistance.

· Answers questions from different individuals (such as other teachers, parents, administrators, students, central office staff) to address problems, offer information, or give guidance.

· Directs assistant teachers, student teachers, instructional assistants, volunteers and/or student workers for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students.

· Supports other classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Skills

· Basic verbal and written communication skills to complex ideas and concepts to students.

· Manage classroom behavior, maintain a positive and respectful learning environment, and ensure student safety.

· Prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain accurate records and reports.

· Familiarity with educational technology, including learning management systems, online resources, and digital tools.

· Work with colleagues, administrators, and parents to support student learning and achieve school goals.

· Basic skills to arrange plans for activities, meetings, or events and collect, organize, and categorize information.

Knowledge

· Basic knowledge on how to perform simple arithmetic operations, such as working with fractions, percentages, and ratios.

· Basic knowledge on interpreting technical data, writing diverse documents, and leading group conversations.

Ability

· Basic ability to build relationships with students, colleagues, and parents, and to provide individualized support and feedback.

· Basic ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances.

· Advanced ability to understand and interpret codes, policies, regulations, and laws, age-appropriate activities, lesson planning, child development stages, and behavior management techniques.

· Intermediate ability to operate necessary tools and machinery for work tasks.

· Basic ability to collaborate with others in various situations, interpreting data through specific yet varied methods, and using standardized procedures to operate equipment.

· Intermediate problem-solving ability.

· Basic ability to build and maintain relationships.

· Basic ability to work flexible hours and adapt to shifting work demands.

· Basic ability to demonstrate tact and patience.

· Intermediate ability to keep information confidential.

· Basic ability to interact with a variety of people and/or teams, handle different types of data for various purposes, and use specialized equipment related to the job.

Additional Information:

• Selected applicants must verify experience/highest degree held.

• Direct deposit of paycheck on a 12-month schedule is required.

• TSB is a non-smoking facility in its entirety.

• The selected applicant must comply with the State of Tennessee Employee Drug-Free Workplace Policy, and other policies.

• As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), selected applicant must verify, within 72 hours of employment, his/her legal right to be employed in the United States.

• Selected applicant(s) will be required to submit to and pass a TBI/FBI background check, to include Tennessee and Federal criminal history checks, child abuse records, employment verification, and professional/personal reference checks.

Benefits:

Benefits include medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement pension, 401(k) match, employee assistance program, personal and sick leave (PTO) and more. A full listing of employee benefits can be found here Benefits & State Employee Discounts (tn.gov)

How To Apply:

State of Tennessee Employment Application (see TSB Career Opportunities webpage)

The following documents may be brought or mailed to TSB, as well as submitted via email to:

Andreanita Gordon, Principal

Tennessee School for the Blind

115 Stewarts Ferry Pike

Nashville, TN 37214

E-mail: andreanita.gordon@tsbtigers.org

Required documents:

· Letter of Interest

· Current Resume

· 3 Professional References (Minimum 1 from a direct supervisor)

· Copy of Educator License

· Unofficial Copies of All Transcripts*

*An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this announcement.

Candidates with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats should contact the Principal’s Office at (615) 231-7326 no later than five days prior to their scheduled interview to facilitate reasonable accommodation. The State of Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer; Discrimination on the Basis of Age (Over 40), Race, Sex, Color, Religion, National Origin, Disabling Condition or any other Non-Merit Factor is Prohibited.

ESA Program Support Coordinator

Apply at : https://stateoftn-careers.ttcportals.com/ Job posting #63815

Department: Programs, Division of Choice

Classification (Payroll Title): Education Consultant 1

Position Number: 1006630

Reports to: Senior Manager of Program Support

Last Revised Date: 11/25/24

Anticipated Salary Range: The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $55,000-$60,000. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included.

Location Notes: This position will work primarily from a home residence pursuant to the Department’s Alternative Workplace Solutions policy. Occasional in-person days will be required at the office address listed below:

Tennessee Department of Education
Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243

Department of Education Vision: We will set all students on a path to success.

Priorities: Academics: All Tennessee students will have access to a high-quality education, no matter where they live. Student Readiness: Tennessee public schools will be equipped to serve the academic and non-academic needs of all students. Educators: Tennessee will set a new path for the education profession and be the top state to become and remain a teacher and leader.

Position Summary: The ESA Program Support Coordinator will support the ESA Program by providing timely and accurate technical assistance to prospective account holders by receiving, reviewing, and filing student applications for the program. Additionally, this position will provide administrative support to the leadership team. This work will involve tracking informational spreadsheets, contacting families through phone calls and emails, and other precision data entry and clerical support. This position will play a crucial role in supporting stakeholders during the inaugural implementation of the ESA online application process. This position contributes to the Best for All strategic plan by supporting student success through foundational work in school choice.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Education and Experience: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and experience equivalent to three years of full-time professional educational, instructional, or supervisory/administrative work.

· Substitution of Education for Experience: Graduate coursework from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience, on a year-for-year basis, to a maximum of two years.

· Two years of increasingly responsible professional administrative services experience with the State of Tennessee; and

· Strong technical skills, especially in word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet applications (Microsoft Suite) and networked computer and printer operations

o Strong computer skills;

o Strong data analysis and Excel skills;

o Strong presentation, writing, and proofreading skills;

o Team orientation and willingness to contribute at all levels to meet deadlines;

o Ability to maintain high expectations and rigorous accountability; and

o Ability to develop strong relationships and work collaboratively with stakeholders.

Essential Functions

· Providing timely, solutions-oriented, high-quality, and effective technical assistance (TA) to prospective program account holders and schools via email, phone calls, webinars, and virtual meetings/trainings

· Participating in weekly office hours available to ESA Program stakeholders

· Collaborating with supervisor to develop and release training(s) for account holders focused on ESA program.

· Attending ESA events as needed, including school site visits.

· Processing student applications by tracking communications in a spreadsheet or online platform and providing an emailed decision or response to the applicant.

· Communicating effectively with applicants from across the state, utilizing professionalism and clarity in all communication, including phone calls, emails, and in-person interactions

· Developing and managing organizational and data trackers, including tracking for account holder set-up and supporting documentation, as well as ensuring assessment verification, and other statutory ESA Program requirements have been met.

· Contributing to the year-end reporting data for the ESA Program to internal divisions and local administration as related to ESA funding.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

· Customer Focus: A tendency to consistently consider the needs of internal and external customers, to provide service at a high level of quality, and to evaluate customer satisfaction.

· Communication: Can communicate in a clear, compelling manner both in writing and orally

· Organization: Creates and maintains project management systems to ensure that all pieces of projects are accounted for including goals, benchmarks, and metrics

· Detail Oriented: Can manage both the larger and smaller details of coordinating work—particularly with internal and external stakeholders.

· Relationship Builder: Prioritizes connecting with stakeholders to create high performing relationships built on trust and clear communication.

· Strong Work Ethic: Takes pride in individual ownership of work, maintaining high expectations and timely delivery.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Work Environment

The duties will primarily be carried out indoors, in environmentally controlled conditions.

Physical Demands

Physical demands include walking, standing, bending, lifting, climbing stairs, and moving during working hours. The employee will be required to perform general physical abilities and handle and move objects.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, 12-month/year position. Expected work hours are 37.5 hours per week, from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., with an hour lunch break.

Travel
Occasional travel is required for this role.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

To Apply

Please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to: Vic.Birkey@tn.gov

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State’s policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person’s race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.

Tennessee Department of Education also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application process, please contact the Human Capital team at 615-741-5158. You can also direct your request for accommodation in writing to the Tennessee Department of Education, Attn: HR 710 James Robertson Pkwy., Nashville, TN 37243.

Manager, K-12 Social Studies

Office: Districts & Schools

Division: Academics and Instructional Strategy

Position: Manager, K-12 Social Studies

Classification (Payroll Title): Education Consultant 3

Position Number: 00068610

Reports To: Senior Director of Secondary Literacy, Humanities, and Student Opportunities

Position Summary

The Manager, K-12 Social Studies position’s main role will be to provide consultation, technical assistance, and leadership in all aspects related to social studies instruction to K-12 schools, districts, Centers of Regional Excellence (CORE) and Educator Prep Providers (EPPs). This individual will lead communication between the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and the social studies instructional community related to social studies programs, facilitating proactive sharing of information and data on needs and trends developing in the fields of education, and disseminate and implement TDOE’s strategies, initiatives, and priorities. This includes a significant emphasis in supporting the implementation of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) in social studies classrooms.

The Manager, K-12 Social Studies will provide leadership to support the strategic priorities of the Tennessee Department of Education. This includes offering statewide support on social studies instructional practices and monitoring the landscape of statewide social studies instruction. As well as providing leadership in consulting, planning, and implementing state and federally funded programs and initiatives relating to social studies programs. Finally, the role will work with other appropriate staff at TDOE and collaborate with the K-12 school community and TDOE colleagues to curate resources within Best for All Central (BFAC) and highlight exemplary social studies programs and promote best practices among K-12 school districts by sharing materials on the website and in social media.

Position Responsibilities

· Lead the development of social studies resources to support TDOE’s strategic priority of supporting the implementation of the Tennessee academic standards and high-quality instructional materials to be included on the Best for All Central (BFAC) platform.

· Engage with the social studies community in collaborative work connecting social studies instruction to other content and program areas.

· Collaborate across teams within TDOE to ensure coherence and foster partnerships aligning with social studies instruction and best practices.

· Lead the collaboration between TDOE and the social studies community in researching, evaluating, and implementing professional and program evaluation tools.

· Lead TDOE’s work in providing statewide support related to social studies content knowledge and instructional practices.

· Lead TDOE’s work related to Civics instruction and recognition programs.

· Maintain positive, constructive working relationships with all appropriate areas of TDOE and external partners to assist in implementing social studies programs and services promoting equitable access to optimal learning opportunities.

· Share and advocate for standards, programs, services, and initiatives developed and/or supported by TDOE, sharing updates on TDOE social studies programs and initiatives using social media and other communication tools.

· Maintain awareness of Tennessee statutes and administrative code relating to social studies to lead TDOE’s response to questions or concerns about compliance, in collaboration with the other appropriate divisions within the TDOE.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s Degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university

· Teaching license with endorsement in social studies or similar area with social studies classroom experience

· At least 3 years of teaching experience in social studies instruction

· General working knowledge of current social studies related laws, trends, and practices

· Understanding of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) implementation design, educator preparation, and assessment

· Required skills include:

o strong verbal and written communication skills;

o customer-focused orientation, including:

§ meeting the expectations and requirements of customers,

§ using customer feedback for improvements in products and services,

§ demonstrating active listening skills with customers,

§ establishing and maintaining effective relationships with customers— gains their trust and respect, and

§ responding to customer feedback, criticisms, and complaints with appropriate actions.

o critical thinking and problem-solving;

o exercising good judgment that is justified with data and research;

o results and achievement orientation, i.e., consistently produces high quality work; and

o must be a good steward of time, talent, and resources.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range is $60,600-$75,720 and is commensurate with qualifications. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included.

To Apply

Please complete the online application at https://stateoftn-careers.ttcportals.com/, and send a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to: Michael.Bradburn@tn.gov Please list Manager, K-12 Social Studies in the subject of your email.

Tennessee Department of Education also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application process, please contact the Human Capital team at (615) 741-5158. You can also direct your request for accommodation in writing to the Tennessee Department of Education, Attn: Human Capital Division, 710 James Robertson Pkwy., Nashville, TN 37243.

Special Education Teacher

Salary: Salary is based on State Special Schools Salary Scale

Reports to: Building Principal

Location Notes: This is an in-person position at the address below:

Tennessee School for the Blind

115 Stewarts Ferry Pike

Nashville, TN 37214

General Description:

The role of the Special Education Teacher was created to assist in the teaching process, including supervising students in the classroom and other designated areas, creating lesson plans, delivering instruction, collaborating with colleagues, and addressing inquiries from students, parents, and guardians regarding the curriculum and student development. This job reports to the building Principal.

Minimum Qualification

· Minimum of a bachelor’s degree with certification as specified by state and federal standards for the teaching position held. master’s degree is preferred.

· Must have or be willing to obtain ESL endorsement within a specified period.

· Tennessee Teaching Endorsements: 461 or 462