2026-27 SPED Autism Teacher - Copper Canyon ES

Young World Physical Education; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Paradise Valley Unified School District is seeking a SPED Autism Teacher at Copper Canyon Elementary School in Scottsdale, AZ. The position is a 1.0 FTE, non-interim, for the 2026-27 school year, running from 07/27/2026 to 05/27/2027.

The teacher will develop student-centered lesson plans and provide instruction for students with autism, collaborating with staff and families to support learning goals. Responsibilities include administering assessments, supervising students, communicating

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required.
• Arizona Teaching Certificate or equivalent required.
• SEI Endorsement and appropriate core content certification required.

Responsibilities

• Administers developmental testing programs to assess student competency and develop learning plans.
• Assist with medical needs and health-related tasks as required in the classroom.
• Communicates progress to parents/guardians and collaborates with staff to support student outcomes.
• Monitors student progress and provides feedback to students, parents, and administration.
• Collaborates with staff, parents, and community resources to improve instructional quality.
• Directs and supports paraprofessionals and student workers in classroom activities.
• Instructs students to improve academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills.

Skills

Assessment instruments

Office software

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related area

Job description

2026-27 SPED Autism Teacher – Copper Canyon ES

Paradise Valley Unified School District – Copper Canyon Elementary School – Scottsdale, Arizona

Job Details

Job ID: 5838123

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Jul 16, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Jul 27, 2026

Job Description

Autism Teacher

Location: Copper Canyon Elementary School

FTE: 1.0

Non-Interim Position

Dates: 07/27/2026 – 05/27/2027

Purpose Statement

The job of Teacher – Special Education is to provide support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for developing students with special needs success in academics, interpersonal skills and/or activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or 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 Site Administrator.

Essential Functions

• Administers developmental testing programs, subject specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of 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.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for children as assigned.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations, student achievements, developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g., behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem solving techniques and a variety of personal issues.
• Demonstrates pedagogical approaches that engage learners for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
• Differentiates classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning programs.
• Directs assistant teachers, student teachers, paraprofessional, volunteers and/or student workers for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students.
• Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
• Maintains a variety of confidential and non‑confidential manual and electronic files and records for the purpose of providing up-to-date reference and/or historical reference in accordance with established administrative guidelines and legal requirements.
• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
• Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g., classroom, playground, field trips, nap times, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Orders supplies and equipment for the purpose of ensuring availability as needed.
• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g., IEPs, staff, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Participates on PLC team for the purpose of reviewing data and instructional practices.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g., attendance, anecdotal records, IEPs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
• Reports health and safety issues to assigned administrator and appropriate agencies (e.g., fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining student personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g., other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
• Serves as case manager for special education students for the purpose of managing IEPs in accordance with established administrative guidelines and legal requirements.
• Supports classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Skills required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; behavioral management strategies; methods of instruction and training.

Abilities required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; consider a number of factors when using equipment; maintain confidentiality; exhibit tact and patience; work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

Working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; utilizing resources from other work units as needed.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 50% walking, and 40% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience

Job related experience is desired.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related area.

Equivalency

Not specified.

Required Testing, Certificates and Licenses

Arizona Teaching Certificate

Appropriately Certified in Core Content Area

SEI Endorsement Required

Continuing Education / Training, Clearances

CPR Certificate, Criminal Background Clearance, First Aid Certificate, Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint CPI Certificate Clearance Card (or ability to obtain district-sponsored training).

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 Non‑Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

Position Type: 1.0 FTE

Job Categories: Special Education > Autism

Contact Information

• Human Resources
• 15002 N 32nd Street
• Phoenix, Arizona 85032
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]