2026-27 SPED Autism Teacher - Copper Canyon ES

Paradise Valley Unified School District; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Paradise Valley Unified School District in Scottsdale seeks an Autism Teacher at Copper Canyon Elementary School to support students with special needs, implementing individualized instruction and IEP goals within the curriculum. The teacher collaborates with staff and families to promote academic and daily living skills.

A Bachelor’s degree and Arizona teaching certification are required; SEI endorsement and CPR/First Aid are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Arizona Teaching Certificate and SEI endorsement are required or must be obtained.
• CPR and First Aid certifications are required or current.
• Criminal Background Clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Administers assessments and documents progress toward IEP goals.
• Differentiates instruction to support individualized learning plans.
• Collaborates with teachers, parents, and administrators on student progress.
• Directs aides and paraprofessionals to support classroom programs.
• Maintains student records and reports health and safety concerns.
• Monitors student behavior to maintain a positive learning environment.
• Participates in IEP meetings and PLCs to improve instructional practices.

Skills

Assessment tools

Office equipment

Software proficiency

Record keeping

Algebra/Geometry

Reading comprehension

Document drafting

Facilitation skills

Data management

Confidentiality

Flexible hours

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Arizona Teaching Certificate

SEI Endorsement

CPR Certificate

Criminal Background Clearance

First Aid Certificate

Job description

Autism Teacher

Location: Copper Canyon Elementary School

FTE: 1.0

Position Type: Non-Interim

Dates: 07/27/2026 - 05/27/2027

Purpose Statement

The job of Teacher - Special Education is done for the purpose of providing support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for developing students with special needs to succeed in academics, interpersonal skills, and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress. This job reports to the Site Administrator.

Essential Functions

• Administers developmental testing programs, subject specific assessments, etc. for assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.
• Administers, under supervision, first aid and assistance to medically fragile children (e.g., tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) to provide appropriate care for assigned children.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress, communicating expectations, student achievements, and developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Assesses student progress toward objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g., behavioral, motor development, communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities) and provides feedback to students, parents and administration.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and community resources to improve overall student outcomes and achieve classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Counsels students to improve performance, health status, problem solving techniques, and personal issues.
• Demonstrates pedagogical approaches that engage learners to provide an effective program addressing individual student requirements.
• Differentiates classroom work to provide instructional materials that address individualized learning programs.
• Directs assistant teachers, student teachers, paraprofessionals, volunteers and/or student workers to provide an effective classroom program and address individual student needs.
• Instructs students to improve success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
• Maintains confidential and non‑confidential manual and electronic files and records to provide up‑to‑date or historical reference per administrative guidelines and legal requirements.
• Manages student behavior to create a safe and optimal learning environment.
• Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g., classroom, playground, field trips, nap times) to provide a safe and positive learning environment.
• Orders supplies and equipment to ensure availability when needed.
• Participates in meetings (e.g., IEPs, staff) to convey and/or gather information required to perform functions.
• Participates on PLC team to review data and instructional practices.
• Prepares written materials (e.g., attendance, anecdotal records, IEPs) to document student progress and meet mandated requirements.
• Reports health and safety issues to the assigned administrator and appropriate agencies (e.g., fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors) to maintain student safety, a positive learning environment and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Responds to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns and direct to appropriate personnel.
• Responds to inquiries from teachers, parents, administrators, etc. to resolve issues, provide information and/or direction.
• Serves as case manager for special education students to manage IEPs per guidelines and legal requirements.
• Supports classroom teachers in implementing curriculum and/or individual student plans.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

Skilled in applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment; using relevant software; and preparing and maintaining accurate records. Knowledgeable in algebra/geometry, reading technical information, composing documents, facilitating discussions, and analyzing situations. Knowledge of codes, policies, regulations, age‑appropriate activities, lesson plan requirements, child development stages, behavioral management strategies, instruction methods, and training techniques. Able to schedule activities, meetings, events; gather, collate, classify data; adapt to changing work priorities; maintain confidentiality; exhibit tact and patience; work flexible hours.

Responsibility

Work under limited supervision using standardized practices, direct others within a small unit, and collaborate with other units. Opportunity to significantly impact organization’s services.

Work Environment

Requires significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity. Typically 10% sitting, 50% walking, 40% standing. Work occurs under minimal temperature variations and conditions with some exposure to risk of injury or illness.

Experience

Job‑related experience is desired.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Equivalency

Equivalency considerations may apply.

Required Testing and Certifications

• Arizona Teaching Certificate
• Appropriately Certified in Core Content Area
• SEI Endorsement Required
• CPR Certificate
• Criminal Background Clearance
• First Aid Certificate (Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint CPI Certificate Clearance Card)

Continuing Education and Training

Continuing professional development is required per district policy.

Clearances

First Aid Certificate, CPR Certificate, Criminal Background Clearance, Arizona IVP Fingerprint CPI Certificate Clearance Card.

FLSA Status

Exempt.

Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information NonDiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.