Elementary Exceptional Student Services-Life Skills Teacher

Sanders Unified School District; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the United States is seeking an Elementary Exceptional Student Services Teacher. This role involves supervising special education programs and ensuring successful educational experiences for exceptional students. The ideal candidate will have a relevant bachelor's degree, state certification, and experience working with Navajo students. Strong communication skills and proficiency in special education practices are crucial. This position offers a ten-month contract with salary determined by the district pay scale.

Qualifications

• Must have at least three years of successful teaching experience in exceptional education.
• Courses in exceptional education and related fields required.
• Structured English Immersion endorsement mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate special education classroom programs.
• Develop and maintain complete records for all children receiving special services.
• Evaluate existing programs and recommend changes as necessary.
• Develops procedures for placement, evaluation, and reappraisal of students.

Skills

Good computer operating skills

Excellent communication

Collaboration skills

Experience working with Navajo Students

Bilingual, Navajo/English

Communication skills

Navajo culture knowledge

Navajo Students experience

Program development

Structured English Immersion

Citizenship/residency status

Education

Bachelor/Master’s Degree from an accredited college

ADE State Teacher Certification

Valid special education teaching certificate

Job description

Elementary Exceptional Student Services Teacher – 2 positions (JobID: 255)
Position Type: Teacher
Date Posted: 11/4/2025

Qualifications

• A Bachelor/Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• ADE State Teacher Certification Teaching credential and Supervisory Certificate.
• A valid special education teaching certificate as required by the Arizona Department of Educational background that includes courses in subjects such as exceptional education, mental deficiency, teaching the handicapped, teaching the gifted, and the like.
• At least three (3) years of successful experience as a teacher in some field of exceptional education.
• Good computer operating skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Well versed in Navajo Tradition and culture.
• Experience working with Navajo Students.
• Experience developing, documenting, and evaluating educational programs.
• Preferably bilingual, Navajo/English.
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.
• Structured English Immersion endorsed.
• A valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint card.

Additional Requirements

Supervised by: Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment

Ten (10) months per year.

Salary

Salary to be determined by district pay scale and Board.

Position Goal

To provide a sound educational program for children who cannot sufficiently benefit from regular classroom programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Possesses valid state certification for the instructional and supervisory requirements of the position.
2. Complies with all requirements in the memorandum of understanding between the Sanders School District and the Navajo Nation Head Start Program, including but not limited to:
   • Child find/screening
   • Referral for and comprehensive evaluation
   • Development of individualized program
   • Placement of students
   • Training and technical assistance
   • Reporting and recording student attendance
   • Coordinate selection and implementation of screening instruments.
3. Keeps informed of all legal requirements governing special education.
4. Develops and initiates survey programs for continuous identification of exceptional children.
5. Supervises and coordinates special education classroom programs which include special classes for students who are mentally retarded but trainable; who are mentally retarded but educable; who have specific learning disabilities; who are emotionally handicapped; who have severe auditory handicaps; who have orthopedic or neuromuscular handicaps.
6. Evaluates existing programs as an ongoing responsibility, and recommends changes and additions as needed.
7. Establishes procedures for placement, evaluation, assignment, and reappraisal of students in the special education program.
8. Develops procedures for referral, securing medical reports, psychological examination, and placement.
9. Develops and maintains complete and cumulative individual records of all children receiving special services or enrolled in special classes.
10. Supervises preparation of attendance reports and similar data necessary to reimbursement of funds, collecting tuition for out-of-district students, and similar fiscal matters.
11. Develops budget recommendations and provides expenditures control on established budgets for special education.
12. Provides a therapeutic program to meet individual needs of speech and hearing handicapped children.
13. Provides appropriate individualized programs of therapy to meet individual students’ needs and correct existing speech or language handicaps.
14. Provides in-service education and serves as a consultant to teachers and school staff members on topics concerning speech improvement.
15. Maintains lists of referred, screened, and eligible students, as well as a directory of outside agencies, consultants, specialists, and related services.
16. Develops and maintains lesson plans for individual students required of all instructional staff.
17. Performs additional duties as may be assigned by supervisor.
18. Develops appropriate state and federal funding proposals to supplement district funding.

Performance & Responsibilities

1. Will assist in the preparation and distribution of Student Progress Reports and Report Cards.
2. Will prepare and submit to the Principal prior to leaving school at the end of the school year, a list indicating what class each student will be placed into according to school policies and list of students according to class rank. A log of counseling session data will be submitted at the end of each month.
3. Will prepare and present to the Principal a list of the students graduating or promoting as requested by the administration.
4. Will prepare and maintain a Special Education Handbook.
5. Organizes, administers, and tabulates standardized tests required by the state and/or district and any accompanying reports as needed.
6. Maintains accurate inventory records and faithfully submits budget requests, requisitions, and work orders according to school and district policies, regulations, and procedures.
7. Assists administrators in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct.
8. Attends all staff meetings as required and serves on all staff committees as required.
9. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
10. Performs other tasks and assumes responsibilities as the Superintendent and Board may require.
11. Faithfully follows procedures and complies with requirements as stated in the District and handbook.

Actions Which May Cause Termination

Drinking alcohol beverage during or before working hours, improper fulfillment of job duties, inappropriate behavior towards students and/or coworkers, negligent operation of school property and vehicle, unauthorized use of vehicle, causing dissension among employees, and insubordination.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Support Services personnel.