Teacher - Special Education Autism - Jefferson Elementary School 2026-2027
Young World Physical Education, Arizona City, AZ, United States
Teacher - Special Education (Autism) – Jefferson Elementary, Mesa, Arizona
Job Summary:
The classroom teacher will lead students toward the fulfillment of their potential by translating district curriculum standards and objectives into meaningful learning experiences through classroom instruction and special area assignments. The teacher is responsible for maintaining a positive educational environment and creating a program that meets the intellectual and emotional needs of all students.
Key Responsibilities:
Demonstrate knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials
Utilize a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
Consider the individual learning needs and abilities of students, as well as school and district goals, in lesson planning and assessment
Utilize 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 that align with learning objectives and delivery of instruction
Use available technology or instructional media to enhance students’ learning experiences
Continuously and accurately collect student achievement data using a variety of tools (e.g., tests, projects, demonstrations, checklists) and use this information to make instructional and management decisions that positively impact student 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 obtained from completed assessments
Develop appropriate lesson plans or implementation plans consistent with IEP goals and objectives
Determine the subject matter, instructional techniques, and modified learning outcomes as specified on the IEP
Establish positive and appropriate relationships with students and maintain open lines of communication with students and parents concerning academic and behavioral progress
Work with parents, school personnel, related service personnel, and other representatives of agencies to provide an appropriate education for each student
Produce, utilize, and maintain student records that relate to student achievement, attendance, and discipline
Provide a positive and safe environment conducive to learning
Takes an active role in establishing and supporting school goals and resolving school concerns
Communicate an expectation of success for all students
Assist with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field
Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate, appropriate for the subject area
Coursework including foundations of special education, behavior management techniques, assessment and evaluation methods, instructional strategies for students with disabilities, and inclusive teaching practices
Skills & Competencies:
Model the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
Demonstrate 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
Effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents and school personnel at all levels
Demonstrate knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials
Utilize a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
Develop and maintain cooperative professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, and students
Manage classroom behavior and maintain a positive, structured learning environment
Know Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how to implement them effectively
Apply de‑escalation techniques and handle 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
Maintain awareness of potential safety concerns, particularly for students prone to wandering, seizures, or self‑harm
Supervise students during activities such as physical education, field trips, or transitions between classrooms
Assist students with physical disabilities, including transferring them between wheelchairs, desks, or other equipment; ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Benefits:
Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health and life insurance; performance pay available annually; new‑hire education at a rate of $65 per hour of graduate‑level credits; annual stipend of $3,150 for certified Special Education positions or $7,875 for Autism/Emotional Disability, SHARP or MCS locations; $500 new‑hire experience bonus for each full‑time year of certified teaching or taught‑like experience.
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.
Salary:
$55,386 per year
Starting Date:
July 28, 2026
Contact Information:
Milissa Gibson, Secretary – Jefferson Elementary – Email: magibson@mpsaz.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Summary:
The classroom teacher will lead students toward the fulfillment of their potential by translating district curriculum standards and objectives into meaningful learning experiences through classroom instruction and special area assignments. The teacher is responsible for maintaining a positive educational environment and creating a program that meets the intellectual and emotional needs of all students.
Key Responsibilities:
Demonstrate knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials
Utilize a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
Consider the individual learning needs and abilities of students, as well as school and district goals, in lesson planning and assessment
Utilize 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 that align with learning objectives and delivery of instruction
Use available technology or instructional media to enhance students’ learning experiences
Continuously and accurately collect student achievement data using a variety of tools (e.g., tests, projects, demonstrations, checklists) and use this information to make instructional and management decisions that positively impact student 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 obtained from completed assessments
Develop appropriate lesson plans or implementation plans consistent with IEP goals and objectives
Determine the subject matter, instructional techniques, and modified learning outcomes as specified on the IEP
Establish positive and appropriate relationships with students and maintain open lines of communication with students and parents concerning academic and behavioral progress
Work with parents, school personnel, related service personnel, and other representatives of agencies to provide an appropriate education for each student
Produce, utilize, and maintain student records that relate to student achievement, attendance, and discipline
Provide a positive and safe environment conducive to learning
Takes an active role in establishing and supporting school goals and resolving school concerns
Communicate an expectation of success for all students
Assist with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field
Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate, appropriate for the subject area
Coursework including foundations of special education, behavior management techniques, assessment and evaluation methods, instructional strategies for students with disabilities, and inclusive teaching practices
Skills & Competencies:
Model the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
Demonstrate 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
Effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents and school personnel at all levels
Demonstrate knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials
Utilize a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
Develop and maintain cooperative professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, and students
Manage classroom behavior and maintain a positive, structured learning environment
Know Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how to implement them effectively
Apply de‑escalation techniques and handle 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
Maintain awareness of potential safety concerns, particularly for students prone to wandering, seizures, or self‑harm
Supervise students during activities such as physical education, field trips, or transitions between classrooms
Assist students with physical disabilities, including transferring them between wheelchairs, desks, or other equipment; ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Benefits:
Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health and life insurance; performance pay available annually; new‑hire education at a rate of $65 per hour of graduate‑level credits; annual stipend of $3,150 for certified Special Education positions or $7,875 for Autism/Emotional Disability, SHARP or MCS locations; $500 new‑hire experience bonus for each full‑time year of certified teaching or taught‑like experience.
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.
Salary:
$55,386 per year
Starting Date:
July 28, 2026
Contact Information:
Milissa Gibson, Secretary – Jefferson Elementary – Email: magibson@mpsaz.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr