Alternative Education Teacher

Learn Academy; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Small classes

Salary paid over 12 months

Benefits & retirement

Tuition reimbursement

Referral bonuses

Intern supervision

Supervision for degrees

Competitive pay

Job summary

LEARN Academy in Phoenix, AZ seeks an Elementary Education Teacher for the 26/27 school year in the Southwest area. The role requires an Arizona Elementary and Special Education credential and involves creating IEP-driven instruction for students with special needs.

You will implement SDI, use evidence-based practices, and collaborate with a team of OTs, SLPs, BCBAs, clinicians, and administrators to support student growth.

Qualifications

• Requires valid Arizona Elementary and Special Education credentials.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred or intern in special ed.
• Autism-specific certificate preferred with another credential.
• Experience with students who have challenging behaviors preferred.
• Able to perform physical tasks and follow PCMA safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IEPs and SDI for students.
• Deliver engaging instructional activities in a positive climate.
• Adapt resources to meet diverse learner needs.
• Assess curricular needs and propose improvements.
• Collaborate with OTs, SLPs, BCBAs, clinicians, and admins.

Skills

IEP development

SDI design

Curriculum adaptation

Classroom management

Collaboration

Safety procedures

Education

Arizona Elementary Credential

Arizona Special Education Credential

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Intern in Special Education program

Autism certificate preferred

Tools

PCMA training

Job description

Overview

Learn Academy is looking for an Alternative Education Teacher for the 26/27 school year in South West Phoenix, AZ, with a valid Elementary Education teaching certification with Arizona Department of Education.

Foster a lifelong love of learning for students with special needs at LEARN Academy!

Who We’re Looking For

LEARN Academy is hiring an Elementary Education Teacher to provide a variety of instructional methods and strategies designed to meet the unique needs of the whole student.

Our Alternative and Special Education Teachers create a teaching environment where students with special needs can experience intellectual, emotional, physical, and psychological growth. We implement direct instruction, computer-based instruction, blended learning, hands‑on activities, and community-based instruction to fulfill student Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

You’ll boost each student’s confidence and help them achieve academic success by using educational resources that are research‑based, highly motivational, and aligned with grade level outcomes.

Allow Us to Introduce Ourselves

LEARN Academy, formerly known as Desert Choice Schools (DCS) is a state‑approved private day school in Arizona, serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. We provide individually tailored services to students with special needs — including autism and emotional and learning disabilities.

LEARN Academy is a national leader in special education, academic intervention, and specialized behavioral services. We use a structured program implemented in environments that facilitate functional independence and academic and social success.

What We Offer

• Small classroom sizes (12 students max)
• 10‑month position, salary paid over 12 months
• Classroom support from behavior technicians and a team of uniquely trained specialists
• Competitive compensation plan
• Comprehensive benefits and retirement plans
• Tuition assistance reimbursement (up to $2,000 per year)
• Referral bonuses
• Supervision available for post‑baccalaureate internships in teaching, while working towards final credential
• Highly qualified candidates pursuing advanced clinical degrees while teaching may be eligible for supervision in many clinical domains

What You Have

• Valid Arizona Elementary and Special Education Credential (or enrolled in a program for certification).
• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred, OR an intern student currently in a special education program.
• Autism‑specific or related certificate preferred – will be accepted if paired with another teaching credential.
• Previous experience working with students with challenging behaviors preferred.
• Must be able to assume a variety of postures (stoop, reach, stand, kneel, squat, sit, walk, lift, pull, grasp) for extended periods of time.
• Must be willing and able to implement safety measures consistent with Professional Crisis Management Association (PCMA), such as therapeutic holds and transportation procedures utilizing quick body movements in the course of maintaining the safety of students with special needs.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and implement student Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and design and provide specially-designed instruction (SDI).
• Administer instructional activities that contribute to a positive climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the unique needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.
• Assist in assessing changing curricular needs and offer plans for improvement.
• Work collaboratively with a team of OTs, SLPs, BCBAs, Clinical Specialists, and Administrators.

Physical requirements vary and are based on specific student assignments. You may be asked to engage in any of the following: lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, stoop, reach, stand, kneel, squat, sit, walk, lift, pull, and grasp for extended periods of time.

LEARN Academy and Learn It Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates must be presently

eligible to work in the United States.