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Counselor - Ishikawa Elementary School 2026-2027

Young World Physical Education, Arizona City, AZ, United States


Counselor - Ishikawa Elementary School 2026-2027
Mesa USD 4 Ishikawa Elementary - Mesa, Arizona

Job Details
Job ID:

5659449
Application Deadline:

May 13, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)
Re-Posted:

Yesterday
Starting Date:

To Be Determined

Position Type:

Full-Time
Salary:

$55,386 Per Year
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 similar experience
New Hire Education:

$65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max, MA +60 hours max; $1,000 for advanced degrees

Job Description
Job Summary:

The position of school counselor prepares all students for high school graduation and success through direct and indirect student services. The role provides leadership, advocacy, and collaboration within and beyond the school to implement a preventative, proactive school counseling program using the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model (2012). The counselor promotes student success by implementing a comprehensive program that addresses academic, career, and social-emotional needs and contributes to school-wide college and career readiness efforts.

Required Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in School Guidance and Counseling

Valid Arizona School Counselor Certification (or evidence of eligibility to be certified)

Adherence to ASCA standards for school counselors

Classroom teaching experience or demonstration of effective instructional practices

Prior experience as a school counselor

Experience in college and career readiness work, including knowledge of academic, social-emotional, and career development strategies

Experience with technology for research, program development, management, and delivery

Citizenship, residency, or work visa required

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and manage a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model

Implement the program, monitoring student progress and providing personalized support for students not on track to graduate within four years

Maintain accountability and collaborate with administration and faculty to make data-informed, evidence-based counseling decisions

Serve as a systems change agent, developing evidence-based programs to address priority college and career readiness needs

Spend 80% or more of documented time on direct and indirect services to students, including instruction, group activities, individual counseling, crisis response, consultation with parents, teachers, and the community, and referrals to resources

Spend 20% or less of documented time on program planning and support

Support 504 referral, evaluation, and accommodation processes for students in the caseload

Assist students in crisis situations and refer to district or community resources when appropriate

Stay current with federal laws, state statutes, and district policies related to college and career readiness

Stay current with postsecondary opportunities and best practices, including changes to college admission and financial aid criteria such as FAFSA

Support the Special Education team on a case-by-case basis, including attendance at relevant IEP meetings

Have a thorough understanding of academic requirements for high school graduation

Understand college and career readiness strategies and postsecondary options

Assist with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Skills & Competencies:

Model 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 district personnel at all levels

Develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, and students

Work with diverse populations and cultures

Adapt to change and mediate between students, teachers, and parents

Time management and planning skills for multiple cases and program implementation

Understand job market trends and opportunities, including resume and college skills

Recognize signs of mental health issues or crisis and apply techniques for emotional support and referral to professional services

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Mostly office setting with classrooms, auditoriums, and shared spaces on campus

Frequent interactions with students, teachers, administrators, and parents

One-on-one or small group counseling sessions

Follow school hours and school-year calendar

Emotionally demanding balancing administrative tasks, social and academic conflicts, and family challenges

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or computer, with occasional walking and standing between classrooms, offices, and school areas

May involve lifting and carrying books, teaching materials, or light office equipment, usually under 25 lbs.

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.

Contact Information

Stacy Murphy, Secretary

Ishikawa Elementary

Phone: 480-472-7688

Email: simurphy@mpsaz.org

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