Teacher - Special Education Resource - Washington Elementary 2025-2026

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

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:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• 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:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary. 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in special education or related field
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate, appropriate for subject area  

Experience:

• 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:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• 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:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting. 

• 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.

Salary : $55,386