Teacher - Special Education Autism - Jefferson Elementary School 2026-2027

Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years. East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

Full-time Base Salary:

$55,386.00

Calendar:

Certified Exempt, 187 workdays

Benefits:

Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

$500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience

New Hire Education:

$65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max, MA +60 hours max $1000 for advanced degrees

Annual Stipend:

$3,150 Other certified Special Education positions $7,875 Autism, Emotional Disability, SHARP or MCS locations

Certification:

Alternative teaching certification pathways available with a bachelor's degree

Job Summary:

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. Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key 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 Required Qualifications:

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

Skills & Competencies :

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

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Classroom, resource room, and office setting within the school campus Participation in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and multidisciplinary team discussions Managing challenging behaviors and emotional needs of students Balancing the diverse requirements of multiple students Frequent walking, bending, or kneeling to interact with students at their level Maintaining awareness of potential safety concerns, particularly for students prone to wandering, seizures, or self-harm Supervising students during activities such as physical education, field trips, or transitions between classrooms Assisting students with physical disabilities, such as transferring them between wheelchairs, desks, or other equipment, ability to lift up to 50lbs.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.