Special Education Teacher (2026-2027 School Year)

About Us

Phoenix Charter Academy aims to show the world what all young people can do, and to defy the limitations of societal assumptions, classism, and racism. Founded on the unwavering belief that all students can succeed at high levels, Phoenix truly endeavors to reach every student, focusing on those on the margins of the traditional public district education system: students who have dropped out of high school, students who are parenting, students involved with the juvenile justice system, older students new to the country, and students who are under-credited relative to their years in high school.

We believe these students are completely capable of developing the skills necessary for lifetimes of economic prosperity and success. We support them with individually tailored, academically rigorous curricula and provide the resources and mentoring they need to reach their full potential.

Our work is vital because students across America are dropping out of high school at an alarming rate. Dropping out has a substantial impact on a young person's life, including reduced earning power, greater social service dependency, increased rates of criminal involvement, and shorter life expectancy. Phoenix Charter Academies addresses this trend by creating environments where students can demonstrate their talent and resilience and prepare for success through high school, college, and beyond.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Phoenix, we recognize the importance of forming a school community inclusive of all visible and invisible identities. We act to ensure that our students and staff always see reflections of themselves and their communities. We aim to break down systemic barriers by providing access to resources, experiences, and differentiated supports for historically marginalized groups. We solicit, value, understand, connect, and leverage multiple perspectives and experiences, inviting all perspectives except those that perpetuate oppression or dehumanization. At Phoenix, we do not just accept difference—we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our scholars and the communities we serve. We believe difference makes us stronger.

Qualities of a Phoenix Staff Member

• Unwavering belief in our students: Operate with the deeply held belief that all young people want to and can succeed even in the face of substantial systemic barriers and societal constraints.
• Continuous Improvement: Approach problem solving with curiosity and a desire to understand the perspectives of others. Carry an internalized sense of "I can always learn more" and model being open-minded, willing to make mistakes, and learn from them.
• Eager to Learn: Learn as you go in a fast-paced, ever-evolving, urgent environment. Have the desire to receive direct feedback and the ability to implement it quickly.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Understand how your self-identity and experiences impact your daily work, colleagues, and students, and work toward furthering initiatives that promote a more equitable society.

What You'll Bring

• Communication: Convey information effectively and efficiently using verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills; communicate across lines of difference.
• Scholar Orientation: Deepen understanding of scholars and center their needs in all aspects of the work.
• Adaptability: Adjust and strategically align work to the school's mission while navigating complex and changing environments internally and externally.
• Strong work ethic: Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or a related field in special education
• Strong knowledge of special education laws, policies, and procedures
• Experience working with students with diverse learning needs and disabilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, and other stakeholders
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with students with special needs

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities
• Assess students' skills and needs through formal and informal assessments
• Adapt instructional materials and strategies to meet the unique needs of students
• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure inclusive instructional practices in the classroom
• Provide direct instruction and support to students, both individually and in small groups
• Monitor and evaluate student progress, adjusting instructional strategies as necessary
• Communicate regularly with parents and other stakeholders to discuss student performance and progress
• Attend IEP meetings and provide input on student goals, accommodations, and modifications
• Collaborate with support staff, therapists, and other professionals to coordinate services for students with special needs
• Stay current with best practices and research in special education

Benefits

• Professional development, coaching, and resources to support your success
• An open, curious, and celebratory culture that embraces diversity as a leading asset
• Equity and inclusion through affinity groups and continuous capacity building supported by our Racial, Justice, and Equity working group
• Competitive market compensation
• Medical, dental, vision, mental health, and wellness plans
• 403b retirement plan
• Employee perks such as longevity bonus and pet insurance