Teacher - Special Education - Resource - Kino Junior High School

Mesa USD 4 • Mesa, AZ

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The classroom teacher leads students toward fulfilling their potential by translating district curriculum standards and objectives into meaningful learning experiences through classroom instruction and special-area assignments. The teacher maintains a positive, appropriate educational environment and creates a program that meets students’ intellectual and emotional needs.

Candidates must complete an online application and provide appropriate Arizona certification, a valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Alternate teaching certification pathways are available to candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

This is a full-time, certified exempt position on a 187-workday calendar. The base salary is $55,886. Performance pay is available annually. New-hire experience pay is $500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified equivalent experience. New-hire education pay is $65 per hour of graduate-level credits, with limits of BA +45 hours or MA +60 hours; an additional $1,000 is available for advanced degrees.

Mesa Public Schools offers sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health insurance, and life insurance. Forbes has named Mesa Public Schools among Arizona’s Best Employers for multiple years, and East Valley Tribune has named the district a Best Place to Work in the East Valley for multiple years.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field.
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate appropriate for the subject area.
• Coursework should include foundations of special education, behavior management techniques, assessment and evaluation methods, instructional strategies for students with disabilities, and inclusive teaching practices.
• Appropriate Arizona certification, a valid IVP Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts are required as part of the application.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with parents and school personnel at all levels.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative, effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, and students.
• Skills in managing classroom behavior and maintaining a positive, structured learning environment.
• Knowledge of IEPs and how to implement them effectively.
• Expertise in de-escalation techniques and handling challenging behaviors.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Alternate teaching certification pathways are available to candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials.
• Use a variety of effective instructional and classroom-management techniques.
• Consider students’ individual learning needs and abilities, as well as school and district learning goals, when preparing and using lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessment documents.
• Use district-adopted textbooks and curriculum guides in instructional planning and implementation.
• Incorporate higher-level thinking strategies and real-life applications into lesson planning.
• Create instructional materials and assessment documents aligned with learning objectives and instructional delivery.
• Use available technology or instructional media to enhance students’ learning experiences.
• Continuously and accurately collect student achievement data using a variety of tools, and use the information to make instructional and management decisions that positively affect achievement.
• Establish, support, and administer positive classroom and campus management in accordance with board policies and administrative regulations.
• Develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for each student using information from completed assessments.
• Develop appropriate lesson or implementation plans consistent with IEP goals and objectives.
• Determine subject matter, instructional techniques, and modified learning outcomes as specified in each IEP.
• Establish positive and appropriate relationships with students and maintain communication with students and parents about academic and behavioral progress.
• Work with parents, school personnel, related-service personnel, and representatives of other agencies to provide an appropriate education for each student.
• Produce, use, and maintain student records relating to achievement, attendance, and discipline.
• Provide a positive and safe environment conducive to learning.
• Take an active role in establishing and supporting school goals and resolving school concerns.
• Communicate an expectation of success for all students.
• Assist with other duties appropriate to the assignment and Mesa Public Schools.
• Participate in IEP meetings and multidisciplinary team discussions.
• Supervise students during activities such as physical education, field trips, and transitions between classrooms.
• Assist students with physical disabilities, including transferring them between wheelchairs, desks, or other equipment.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Annual performance pay is available.
• New-hire experience pay: $500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience.
• New-hire education pay: $65 per hour of graduate-level credits, up to BA +45 hours or MA +60 hours.
• $1,000 for advanced degrees.

What This Job Offers

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