Special Education Teacher

Western School of Science and Technology; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 53,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a passionate Special Education Teacher to inspire and empower students in a dynamic learning environment. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of students with diverse needs, guiding them towards academic success through tailored instruction and support. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to educational excellence, a deep understanding of child development, and the ability to foster inclusive classroom environments. Join a team dedicated to transforming lives and communities through education, where your contributions will be valued and celebrated.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Employer Match

Monthly Allowance for Supplemental Insurance

Monthly Health Savings Account Allowance

Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Professional Development Opportunities

School Laptop

Paid Time Off

Sick Leave

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and valid teaching certification required.
• Experience working with students with disabilities is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute lesson plans tailored to individual student needs.
• Evaluate academic and social growth of students.
• Collaborate with teachers to ensure curriculum differentiation.

Skills

Communication Skills

Knowledge of Education Laws

Child Development Concepts

Experience with Emotionally Disabled Students

Adaptability in Teaching

Collaboration with General Education Teachers

Ownership of Personal Development

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Valid State of Arizona Special Education Teacher Certification

Tools

Computer Software for Education

Job description

Western School of Science and Technology exists to transform Maryvale by improving low-income west Phoenix students’ opportunities for advancement in the new, global, technological economy by providing needed preparation for the academic rigors of college graduation, leading to career success.

Job Title: Special Education Teacher

Job Type: Full-time, 10-month contract

Reports to: Director of Student and Administrative Services

Staff to manage: None

Department: Instructional

Location: On campus (Not eligible for remote work)

Starting Salary: $53,500 - $78,509

Hard to Fill Stipend: $5,000

Here's what we're primarily looking for in a team member:

• Strong commitment to our college-bound mission and core values (Achievement, Innovation, Respect, Responsibility, Relevance).
• Passion for working with families living in urban Phoenix communities.

Benefits of working at Western:

• Medical, dental, and vision.
• Qualification for 3% employer-match safe harbor 401(k) (Eligible 90 days after employment).
• Monthly allowance for supplemental insurance.
• Monthly allowance for Health Savings Account.
• Parental Leave (Eligible after 12 months of employment).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Professional development with comprehensive training, follow-up coaching, and weekly/monthly check-ins.
• School Laptop.
• 6 days of paid time off, 5 days of sick leave per year (PTO accrued over time).

The following are the critical skills, beliefs, and experiences requisite of an effective team member at Western:

• Former experience in this field.
• Bachelor’s Degree (Required).
• Valid State of Arizona Special Education Teacher Certification (Required).
• Valid State of Arizona “IVP” Fingerprint Clearance Card (or acquired prior to employment).
• Experience working with emotionally/behaviorally disabled/disordered students in a school.
• Knowledge of child development concepts and practices.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Superior knowledge of education laws and regulations.
• Demonstrates taking personal ownership for his or her own development; growth mindset.
• Preference will be given to individuals who have experience working in the target community or in a demographically similar community and prior experience in a similar role.

General Description:

As a Special Education teacher, you will have the opportunity to change lives through education as you motivate students to achieve academic excellence. You will provide direct instruction using an accelerated, back-to-basics curriculum.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop, and execute lesson plans.
• Adapt teaching for individual students, small groups, and remedial instruction to meet the needs of identified students or subgroups of students.
• Evaluate the academic and social growth of students.
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior.
• Supervise students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.
• Maintain professional competence through in-service training and education activities provided by WSST and/or in self-selected professional development opportunities.
• Provide direct and consultative services to students with IEPs in the school environment.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure differentiation of curriculum and delivery of accommodations and modifications for students in case load (20-25 students).
• Develop and implement rigorous, standards-aligned IEPs and classroom instruction in a combination of resource and co-teaching settings as part of the workday schedule to include IEP writing prep time.
• Teach and maintain school-wide systems, behavior consequences, and rewards.
• Analyze student achievement data collaboratively with the coach and colleagues to strategically respond to the learning needs of students.

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Establishes and maintains productive, collaborative relationships with others.
• Relates to students with mutual respect while carrying out a positive and effective disciplinary program.
• Models district standards of ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Meets schedules and deadlines.
• Plans and organizes work.
• Analyzes and interprets assessment results for the purpose of designing and modifying instruction.
• Follow through with directives.
• Performs a wide variety of specialized tasks; interprets and applies rules and regulations as appropriate.
• Applies knowledge of school law and district policy.
• Operates office equipment, including a computer with a variety of software related to job requirements.
• Applies knowledge of best practices in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and methods of supporting and extending instruction and student learning.
• Creates an environment where children from diverse backgrounds are comfortable and experience success.
• Build relationships with families.
• Completes work before deadlines despite constant interruptions.
• Reads, interprets, applies, and explains rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains consistent, punctual, and regular attendance.
• Demonstrates knowledge of correct English grammar and usage.
• Prepares and delivers oral presentations to groups.
• Defines problems, collects data, establishes facts, and draws valid conclusions.
• Maintains a safe and orderly learning/working environment.
• Uses effective interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and courtesy.

Physical Demands:

• Hear and speak to make presentations and exchange information in person and on the telephone.
• Communicate so others will be able to understand the conversation.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and manipulate paper.
• See to read, prepare documents and reports, and observe students.
• Able to return to a task after interruption.
• Sit or stand for extended periods of time, in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Stamina to work a full day and then supervise evening events or attend meetings.
• Work at a desk, conference table, small student classroom table, or in meetings in various configurations.
• Hear and understand speech at normal levels.
• Kneel, bend at the waist, and reach overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling moderately heavy objects.
• Move throughout campus, including climbing stairs, stairs or use elevator, and hallways, indoors and outdoors.

With Reasonable Accommodations:

The Special Education teacher is expected to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations, as required by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, and we welcome applications from candidates who may not meet all qualifications but bring unique perspectives and experiences. Your unique qualities and perspectives are valuable assets that contribute to the richness of our school community. We encourage all interested individuals to apply and be part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Veterans and Teach for America alums are encouraged to apply.

Western: CFA is an equal opportunity employer.