Teacher

Lauren's Institute For Education • Gilbert, AZ

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Lauren’s Institute for Education (L.I.F.E.) is a nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities in Gilbert, Arizona, in an inclusive, transdisciplinary treatment center. The Teacher supports learners with developmental disabilities through education, individualized instruction, and collaboration with families and the treatment team. The position may be assigned to Pathways to Independence, Pathways to Employment, Pathways to Adulthood, or the Academy, depending on organizational needs. These departments maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio and receive support from specialty therapists and behavior analysts.

Teachers adapt instruction and curriculum to students’ needs, establish learning objectives, support positive behavior and classroom management, monitor student progress and attendance, and maintain accurate records. The role also includes supervising and supporting para staff, communicating with families and organizational leadership, contributing to staff training and hiring, and following L.I.F.E. policies, procedures, language practices, and mission. Direct service staff may need to participate in aquatic activities with learners and provide supervision in water settings.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Degree in education or a field related to education.
• Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card and a signed disclosure statement regarding criminal record.
• Provide three references using the forms provided.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications; originals must be provided for copying and filing.
• Proof of training and proficiency in A.A.C. Title 6, Chapter 6, Article 9.
• At least three months of experience with children.
• Prevention and Support training, if specified.
• Evidence of successful completion of the Lauren’s Institute for Education orientation and/or training program.
• Knowledge, skills, and experience sufficient to carry out the position’s requirements.
• Self-motivated, high-energy, and of good moral character.
• Ability to sit, communicate, and remain attentive to surroundings for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, kneel, or reach.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds when assisting learners or handling equipment and materials.
• Ability to push or move items weighing up to 50 pounds, such as wheelchairs, furniture, or supplies.
• Adequate close, distance, and peripheral vision to complete job-related tasks safely and effectively.
• Direct service staff may be required to swim, remain comfortable in water settings, and supervise learners in pools and splash pads; accommodations can be discussed with a supervisor.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Windows.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• State certification.

Responsibilities

• Teach academic subjects using varied approaches, multisensory learning, and repetition to meet students’ needs and interests.
• Set long-range objectives and identify strategies and actions for achieving them.
• Use special education strategies and techniques to support sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
• Modify the general education curriculum for students with special needs using appropriate instructional techniques and technologies.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss student progress, priorities, and resource needs.
• Establish and enforce behavior rules and classroom-management procedures, following the Keys to Behavior or a formal behavior plan.
• Follow L.I.F.E.’s language policy, including Person First Language, You Can Language, Do Language, varying praise, behavior-specific praise, and declarative language.
• Work with testing specialists, social workers, and other professionals to support eligibility determinations and student wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records.
• Set clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects, and communicate them to students and staff.
• Collaborate with other members of the treatment team.
• Pass fidelity checklists at 80% or better.
• Supervise and manage para staff responsibilities, including compliance with payroll and billing expectations and policies.
• Develop and maintain constructive, cooperative working relationships.
• Meet policy and procedure deadlines as required and directed.
• Identify classroom staff training needs.
• Analyze information and evaluate results to select solutions and solve problems.
• Communicate classroom supply and other needs to the Leadership Team.
• Develop or create applications, ideas, relationships, systems, products, or artistic contributions that benefit students.
• Monitor student attendance and ensure policies and procedures are followed.
• Assist with new-hire processes and team selection.
• Write and deliver 30/60/90-day fidelity checklists, academy fidelity checklists, and the disciplinary process.
• Ensure incidents are recorded by the end of the day.
• Ensure team members comply with the organization’s mission, vision, goals, and Pillars.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and carry out all duties safely and prudently.
• When required, participate in aquatic activities with learners and provide direct supervision.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Paid spring, fall, and winter breaks.
• 12 paid holidays after 90 days.
• Paid time off: two weeks, increasing to three weeks after two years.
• Wellness program with rewards and insurance discounts.
• 401(k) and Roth plans with company match.
• Partial paid FMLA.
• Five free L.I.F.E. shirts at the start, with seasonal restocks.
• Monthly staff celebrations and treats.
• Employee of the Month gift and parking spot.
• Birthday gifts and recognition for service milestones.
• Department budgets for staff-requested items.
• Discounted degree options and in-house training.
• Eligible for federal student loan forgiveness; L.I.F.E. is a 501(c)(3).

What This Job Offers

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