Associate Teacher - (Paid Contracted Residency) Spring 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-Time Base Salary: $10,374 per semester with Arizona State Retirement Calendar: Exempt Benefits: None Performance Pay: Not eligible Job Summary: Associate Teachers are student teachers in paid roles throughout Mesa Public Schools. Associate Teachers actively work with teamed colleagues, student groups and a Lead/Mentor teacher to build a repertoire of research-based knowledge and effective teaching practices. Associate Teachers support the MPS Promise by fostering students’ academic, behavioral, social, and emotional growth as they prepare for college, career, and community. Candidates must have a valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card. Key Responsibilities: Receive observations with written feedback per the syllabus from the MPS Building PrincipalWork in conjunction with team members daily to co-plan, co-teach and assess student progress toward state academic standardsAttend regular coaching support and feedback sessions with the Lead/Mentor Teacher on topics that include lesson plans, model planning, instruction, assessment, behavior management, and parent engagement strategiesMaintain clear and open communication with campus and community stakeholdersSupport students’ skill development as aligned to the MPS Portrait of a GraduateAssists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools Required Qualifications: Currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program at a college or university and completing an internship or practicumFulfilling higher education coursework requirements before, during, and/or after the paid residencyWill work five school days per week, 8 hours per day starting:January 4, 2027 and ending on May 28, 2027 for Spring Semester (97 work days) 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 communityReview progress reports as outlined in the residency handbook and as completed by the Lead/Mentor TeacherDemonstrate strong time-management skills with the preparation and completion of assigned team and campus tasks in accordance with assigned due datesReflect upon and implement coaching feedback received and actively seek continuous professional growth as an educatorObserve and reflect on other teachers’ classroom-based methods as they model high-quality instruction, assessment, and behavior management practices, as arranged by campus leadersExhibit exemplary punctuality and attendance by missing no more than three workdays, with appropriate coverage and communication if an absence occursSupport students’ skill development as aligned to the MPS Portrait of a Graduate Work Environment & Physical Requirements: Work primarily in classrooms, labs, or educational spacesInteractions with students, teachers, other staff members and sometimes parents/guardiansParticipation in staff meetings, planning sessions, or teacher trainingStanding or walking for extended periods while teaching or supervising studentsWriting, typing, and operating classroom equipment like whiteboards, computers, and projectorsBending, crouching, or reaching to assist students; ability to lift up to 25 lbs. 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. Job Contact Name: Dana Yursi Title: Pathways Coordinator Email: djyursi@mpsaz.org Phone: (480) 472-0463 Applications Accepted: Start Date: 10/02/2026 End Date: 12/04/2026