Alternative Education Teacher

LEARN Academy • Phoenix, AZ

9d • Onsite

About The Position

LEARN Academy is seeking an Elementary Education Teacher for the 26/27 school year in South West Phoenix, AZ. This role involves fostering a love of learning for students with special needs by providing a variety of instructional methods and strategies to meet their unique needs. The teacher will create a teaching environment that promotes intellectual, emotional, physical, and psychological growth for students with special needs. Instruction will include direct instruction, computer-based instruction, blended learning, hands-on activities, and community-based instruction to fulfill student Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The goal is to boost student confidence and academic success using research-based, motivational educational resources aligned with grade-level outcomes. LEARN Academy, formerly Desert Choice Schools (DCS), is a state-approved private day school serving students from kindergarten through grade 12 with special needs, including autism and emotional and learning disabilities. They are a national leader in special education, academic intervention, and specialized behavioral services, utilizing a structured program in environments that facilitate functional independence and academic and social success.

Requirements

• Valid Arizona Elementary and Special Education Credential (or enrolled in a program for certification).
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Must be able to assume a variety of postures (stoop, reach, stand, kneel, squat, sit, walk, lift, pull, grasp) for extended periods of time.
• Must be willing and able to implement safety measures consistent with Professional Crisis Management Association (PCMA), such as therapeutic holds and transportation procedures utilizing quick body movements in the course of maintaining the safety of students with special needs.
• Candidates must be presently eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• An intern student currently in a special education program.
• Autism-specific or related certificate preferred – will be accepted if paired with another teaching credential.
• Previous experience working with students with challenging behaviors preferred.
• Highly qualified candidates pursuing advanced clinical degrees while teaching may be eligible for supervision in many clinical domains.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement student Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and design and provide specially-designed instruction (SDI).
• Administer instructional activities that contribute to a positive climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the unique needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.
• Assist in assessing changing curricular needs and offer plans for improvement.
• Work collaboratively with a team of OTs, SLPs, BCBAs, Clinical Specialists, and Administrators.
• Engage in physical requirements which may include lifting and/or moving up to 100 pounds, stooping, reaching, standing, kneeling, squatting, sitting, walking, lifting, pulling, and grasping for extended periods of time.
• Implement safety measures consistent with Professional Crisis Management Association (PCMA), such as therapeutic holds and transportation procedures utilizing quick body movements in the course of maintaining the safety of students with special needs.

Benefits

• Small classroom sizes (12 students max)
• 10-month position, salary paid over 12 months
• Classroom support from behavior technicians and a team of uniquely trained specialists
• Competitive compensation plan
• Comprehensive benefits and retirement plans
• Tuition assistance reimbursement (up to $2,000 per year)
• Referral bonuses
• Supervision available for post-baccalaureate internships in teaching, while working towards final credential

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level