Special Education Teacher

About the role

LEARN Academy, formerly known as Desert Choice Schools (DCS), is a state-approved private day school in Arizona serving students from kindergarten through grade 12 with special needs, including autism and emotional and learning disabilities. We are hiring a Special Education Teacher to foster intellectual, emotional, physical, and psychological growth through a variety of instructional methods and strategies tailored to each student’s unique needs.

Responsibilities

• Implement direct instruction, computer-based instruction, blended learning, hands-on activities, and community-based instruction to meet student Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Develop and implement student IEPs and design and provide specially-designed instruction (SDI).
• Administer instructional activities that contribute to a positive climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the unique needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.
• Assess changing curricular needs and offer plans for improvement.
• Work collaboratively with a team of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, clinical specialists, and administrators.

Requirements

• Valid Arizona Special Education Credential (or enrolled in a program for certification).
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred, or an intern student currently in a special education program.
• Autism-specific or related certificate preferred—will be accepted if paired with another teaching credential.
• Previous experience working with students with challenging behaviors preferred.

Physical requirements

• Ability to assume a variety of postures (stoop, reach, stand, kneel, squat, sit, walk, lift, pull, grasp) for extended periods of time.
• Willingness and ability to implement safety measures consistent with Professional Crisis Management Association (PCMA), including therapeutic holds and transportation procedures utilizing quick body movements to maintain the safety of students with special needs.
• May be asked to engage in any of the following: lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, stoop, reach, stand, kneel, squat, sit, walk, lift, pull, and grasp for extended periods of time.

Benefits

• Small classroom sizes (12 students max)
• 10-month position with salary paid over 12 months
• Classroom support from behavior technicians and a team of uniquely trained specialists
• Competitive compensation plan
• Comprehensive benefits and retirement plans
• Tuition assistance reimbursement (up to $2,000 per year)
• Referral bonuses
• Supervision available for post-baccalaureate internships in teaching while working toward final credential
• Highly qualified candidates pursuing advanced clinical degrees while teaching may be eligible for supervision in many clinical domains