Overview
Orchard Knob Middle School
Orchard Knob Middle School (OKMS) is a dynamic 6–8 learning community located in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee. At OKMS, we are committed to accelerating student achievement while cultivating a culture grounded in high expectations, strong relationships, and purposeful instruction. Our school community lives out our core belief: Hustle. Grind. Execute.
We are a results-driven school focused on preparing every student for high school success and beyond through rigorous, standards-aligned instruction and intentional systems of support. Through targeted interventions, data-driven practices, and a relentless focus on clear learning targets and checks for understanding, we work to ensure that all students grow academically and develop as confident, capable learners.
OKMS intentionally exposes students to college and career pathways through structured, real-world learning experiences. Scholars participate in college visits across Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, building early awareness of postsecondary opportunities. Within the school day, students engage in rigorous, standards-aligned instruction supported by targeted interventions and enrichment opportunities. Beyond the classroom, students have access to athletics, after-school programming, and our eLab digital fabrication space—where innovation, design, and problem-solving are actively developed and applied.
Our work is strengthened through strong partnerships with families and community organizations, all aligned to expanding opportunities and outcomes for our students. We are intentional about building not only academic readiness, but also leadership, resilience, and a sense of belonging within our Yellow Jacket community.
At Orchard Knob Middle School, we seek educators who are high-energy, student-centered, and committed to excellence. Our teachers are content experts who embrace a growth mindset, use data to inform instruction, and engage in continuous professional learning. In return, our leadership team prioritizes coaching, collaboration, and teacher voice—ensuring staff are supported, developed, and empowered to lead.
Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.
Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.
The purpose of this job is to ensure that students with disabilities learn and achieve at their highest potential. The main goals of an Exceptional Education teacher are to identify the individual needs of each child and create a healthy, inspiring and supportive learning environment. The Exceptional Education teacher is to be a connector to core instruction, a case manager, liaison to parents, coordinator of supports and services, collector of data, and respond to student needs. The Exceptional Education teacher continually models learning so students can achieve their highest potential by participating in learning to the greatest extent possible. This teacher will be responsible for providing academic and behavior support to provide students with access to tier 1 instruction and perform on standard assessments and alternate assessments with proficiency.
Responsibilities
- Participate in the referral and evaluation processes
- Coordinate the development of individual instruction plans for students, including developmental and sequential short-term objectives leading to the achievement of goals specified in the IEP.
- Manage a caseload of students who are eligible to participate in the standard assessments and alternate assessments
- Teach groups of students and individuals in separate locations and general education settings based on the IEP service provisions for students based on student need. Teach credit bearing classes for students eligible for participation in standard and alternate assessment.
- Prepare and deliver lessons and resources in support of student IEPs and approved Hamilton County curriculum.
- Conduct ongoing data collection on all IEP goals and objectives.
- Develop and adapt individualized teaching methods that are suitable for each of their student’s unique needs while ensuring compliance with the student’s IEP.
- Assess student work to provide timely feedback and inform instructional decisions.
- Collaborate with general education and other exceptional education teachers to plan for and provide specially designed instruction.
- Work in collaboration with related service providers to access and utilize special tools and assistive technology when necessary. Request support and assistance from specialized resource personnel when appropriate.
- Provide consultation to other educational personnel as appropriate
- Facilitate IEP meetings including parents/guardians as full members of IEP teams.
- Monitor student progress and update individualized educational programs
- Participate and conduct reviews of student progress
- Hold and attend regular parental conferences
- Develop and implement transition programming for students age 14 plus
- Work in collaboration with related service providers for students with communication disorders to teach and implement specialized communication systems
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- May include providing general physical assistance to students with various disabilities. Tasks may involve, but are not limited to, assisting students with toileting/feeding/other self-help and behavioral needs.
- Participate in training programs related to delivery of IEPs or curriculum
- Maintain all required special education records, ensuring that they are complete, accurate and within all timelines.
- Attends work and arrives to work on time.
- Maintains confidentiality.
- Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law
- Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Teaching candidates must hold a valid state of Tennessee teaching certification in Special Education (Endorsements: 144, 145, 460, or 461) If you hold a teaching license in another state, you must
- for a Tennessee teaching license.
- Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree.
- Knowledge of IDEA, current state special education rules and regulations, and compliance addressing programming, assessment and procedural safeguards for students with disabilities.
- Experience working with students with mild to moderate disabilities in a school setting
- Technology skills to facilitate implementation of academic and/or behavior intervention programs, in addition to a variety of technology platforms.
- Exceptional organizational and communication skills to facilitate teaching, assessment, meeting and data management responsibilities including EasyIEP.
- Experience with administration and interpretation of standard assessments and alternate assessments.
