Teacher - Special Education - MID (Mild Disability) - Longfellow Elementary School 2026-2027

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-timeBase Salary:$55,386.00Calendar:Certified Exempt, 187 workdaysBenefits:Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurancePerformance Pay:Available annuallyNew Hire Experience:$500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experienceNew Hire Education:$65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max, MA +60 hours max $1000 for advanced degreesAnnual Stipend:$3,150 Other certified Special Education positions$7,875 Autism, Emotional Disability, SHARP or MCS locationsCertification:Alternative teaching certification pathways available with a bachelor's degreeJob 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 an on-line application 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 materialsUtilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniquesConsiders 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 documentsUtilizes district-adopted textbooks and curriculum guides in instructional planning and implementationIncorporates higher level thinking strategies and real-life applications into lesson planningCreates instructional materials and assessment documents that align with learning objectives and delivery of instructionUses available technology or instructional media to enhance the students’ learning experiencesContinuously 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 achievementEstablishes, supports, and administers positive classroom and campus management in accordance with board policies and administrative regulationsDevelops an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for each student utilizing information obtained from the completed assessmentsDevelops appropriate lesson plans or implementation plans consistent with IEP goals and objectivesDetermines the subject matter, instructional techniques, and modified learning outcomes as specified on the IEPEstablishes positive and appropriate relationships with students and maintains open lines of communication with students and parents concerning academic and behavioral progressWorks with parents, school personnel, related service personnel, and other representatives of other agencies to provide an appropriate education for each studentProduces, utilizes, and maintains student records that relate to student achievement, attendance and disciplineProvides a positive and safe environment that is conducive to learningTakes an active role in establishing and supporting school goals and resolving school concernsCommunicates an expectation of success for all studentsAssists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in special education or related fieldValid Arizona Teaching Certificate, appropriate for subject area Course work should include Foundations of special education, behavior management techniques, assessment and evaluation methods, instructional strategies for students with disabilities and inclusive teaching practices Skills & Competencies:Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a GraduateDemonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and communityAbility to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents and school personnel at all levelsDemonstrates knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materialsUtilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniquesAbility to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, studentsSkills in managing classroom behavior and maintaining a positive, structured learning environmentKnowledge of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how to implement them effectivelyExpertise in de-escalation techniques and handling challenging behaviors Work Environment & Physical Requirements:Classroom, resource room, and office setting within the school campusParticipation in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and multidisciplinary team discussionsManaging challenging behaviors and emotional needs of studentsBalancing the diverse requirements of multiple studentsFrequent walking, bending, or kneeling to interact with students at their levelMaintaining awareness of potential safety concerns, particularly for students prone to wandering, seizures, or self-harmSupervising students during activities such as physical education, field trips, or transitions between classroomsAssisting students with physical disabilities, such as transferring them between wheelchairs, desks, or other equipment, ability to lift up to 50lbs. 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.