Teacher - Special Education - Mild Disability (MID) - Westwood High School

Mesa Public Schools • Mesa, AZ

70d • $55,386

About The Position

The classroom teacher will lead students toward the fulfillment of their potential by translating the district curriculum standards and objectives into meaningful learning experiences through classroom instruction and indirectly through special area assignments. The teacher is responsible for maintaining a positive and appropriate educational environment and creating a program that meets the intellectual and emotional needs of all students.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in special education or related field
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate, appropriate for subject area
• Course work should include Foundations of special education, behavior management techniques, assessment and evaluation methods, instructional strategies for students with disabilities and inclusive teaching practices

Nice To Haves

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents and school personnel at all levels
• Demonstrates knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students
• Skills in managing classroom behavior and maintaining a positive, structured learning environment
• Knowledge of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how to implement them effectively
• Expertise in de-escalation techniques and handling challenging behaviors

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
• Considers the individual learning needs and abilities of students, as well as school and district learning goals, in preparation and utilization of lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessment documents
• Utilizes district-adopted textbooks and curriculum guides in instructional planning and implementation
• Incorporates higher level thinking strategies and real-life applications into lesson planning
• Creates instructional materials and assessment documents that align with learning objectives and delivery of instruction
• Uses available technology or instructional media to enhance the students' learning experiences
• Continuously and accurately collects student achievement data using a variety of tools (e.g., tests, projects, demonstrations, checklists). Utilizes this information to make instructional and management decisions that will positively impact student achievement
• Establishes, supports, and administers positive classroom and campus management in accordance with board policies and administrative regulations
• Develops an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for each student utilizing information obtained from the completed assessments
• Develops appropriate lesson plans or implementation plans consistent with IEP goals and objectives
• Determines the subject matter, instructional techniques, and modified learning outcomes as specified on the IEP
• Establishes positive and appropriate relationships with students and maintains open lines of communication with students and parents concerning academic and behavioral progress
• Works with parents, school personnel, related service personnel, and other representatives of other agencies to provide an appropriate education for each student
• Produces, utilizes, and maintains student records that relate to student achievement, attendance and discipline
• Provides a positive and safe environment that is conducive to learning
• Takes an active role in establishing and supporting school goals and resolving school concerns
• Communicates an expectation of success for all students
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Performance Pay available annually
• $500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience
• $65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max, MA +60 hours max $1000 for advanced degrees
• Annual Stipend: $3,150 for other certified Special Education positions, $7,875 for Autism, Emotional Disability, SHARP or MCS locations

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree