Teacher - 5th Grade - Taft Elementary School

Taft Elementary; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave

Holiday pay

Arizona Retirement System

Health insurance

Life insurance

Performance pay

Job summary

Taft Elementary is seeking a dedicated 5th Grade Teacher to implement district curriculum and provide engaging instruction in a positive, supportive Learning environment. The teacher will translate standards into meaningful lessons and manage classroom learning to meet diverse student needs.

The role requires a valid Arizona teaching credential, bachelor’s degree, and prior teaching experience. Competitive salary with benefits is offered, along with annual performance pay and professional growth

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid Arizona teaching certification.
• Bachelor’s degree required with state credentialing.
• Prior teaching experience in a classroom setting preferred.
• Student teaching or practicum experience required or beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of subject matter, instructional skills and resources.
• Utilizes effective instructional and management techniques.
• Plans lessons aligned to standards and objectives.
• Uses district textbooks and curriculum guides for planning and assessment.
• Integrates higher-level thinking and real-life applications.
• Develops instructional materials aligned to objectives and methods.
• Uses technology to enhance learning experiences.
• Collects and analyzes student achievement data to guide decisions.
• Maintains positive classroom management per regulations.
• Communicates with students and parents about progress.
• Collaborates with parents and staff to support student education.
• Maintains student records on achievement, attendance and discipline.
• Creates a safe, engaging learning environment.
• Supports school goals and addresses concerns.

Skills

MPS Portrait of a Graduate

Commitment to district Promise

Instructional skills

Classroom management

Communication with parents

Professional growth

Education

Bachelor's degree

Arizona teaching cert

Prior teaching experience

Student teaching or practicum

Job description

Teacher - 5th Grade - Taft Elementary School

Mesa USD 4 Taft Elementary - Mesa, Arizona Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5924830

Application Deadline: Sep 24, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)

Posted: Sep 11, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

• Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type: Full-time

Base Salary: $55,886.00

Calendar: Certified Exempt, 187 workdays

Benefits: Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay: Available annually

New Hire Experience: $500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience

New Hire Education: $65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max, MA +60 hours max $1000 for advanced degrees

Certification: Alternate teaching certification pathways available with a bachelor’s degree

Job Summary: The classroom teacher will lead students toward the fulfillment of their potential by translating the district curriculum standards and objectives into meaningful learning experiences through classroom instruction and indirectly through special area assignments. The teacher is responsible for maintaining a positive and appropriate educational environment and creating a program that meets the intellectual and emotional needs of all students.

Candidates must complete anon-lineapplication which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills and resource materials
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
• Considers the individual learning needs and abilities of students, as well as school and district learning goals, in preparation and utilization of lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessment documents
• Utilizes district-adopted textbooks and curriculum guides in instructional planning and implementation
• Incorporates higher level thinking strategies and real-life applications into lesson planning
• Creates instructional and assessment materials that align with learning objectives and method of instruction
• Use available technology or instructional media to enhance the students’ learning experiences
• Continuously and accurately collects student achievement data using a variety of tools (e.g., tests, projects, demonstrations, checklists). Utilizes this information to make instructional and management decisions that will positively impact student achievement
• Establishes, supports and administers positive classroom management in accordance with regulations
• Establishes positive and appropriate relationships with students and maintains open lines of communication with students and parents concerning academic and behavioral progress
• Works with parents and school personnel representatives to provide an appropriate education for each student
• Produces, utilizes and maintains student records that relate to student achievement, attendance and discipline
• Provides a positive and safe environment that is conducive to learning
• Takes an active role in establishing and supporting school goals and resolving school concerns
• Communicates an expectation of success for all students
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certification
• Prior teaching experience
• Associate teacher, student teaching or practicum experience

Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Demonstrates knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents and school personnel at all levels
• Maintains a professional appearance and demonstrates behavior that is conscientious and responsible
• Appropriately communicates and interacts with other staff in academic planning and school committee work
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and extra-curricular/school-related activities and committees
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional growth

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Traditional setup with desks, whiteboards, and digital tools like projectors or interactive televisions
• Teachers may supervise students in hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces
• Normal 8-hour work day except Parent-teacher conferences, professional development, and extracurricular activities may extend work hours
• Engaging with diverse students, managing classroom behavior, and addressing learning differences
• Teachers often spend long hours standing and walking around the classroom or school premises
• May need to lift books, teaching materials, and classroom supplies usually under 20 lbs. but sometimes more

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $55,886 Per Year

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Adrian Lopez , Secretary to the Principal
• Taft Elementary
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]