Job Description:

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

Full-time

Base Salary:

$55,386.00

Calandar:

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

Job Summary:

The itinerant teacher will provide coaching and support to special education teachers in the area of specialized instruction and case management for students with disabilities. The itinerant teacher facilitates professional development related to the school and district’s instruction and curriculum goals aligned with demonstrated instructional/professional needs. As a leader and specialist, the employee works with coaches, and supports teachers and support staff in identifying, developing, and implementing curriculum, assessment, and instructional strategies designed to improve the learning of students with disabilities.

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:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Designing and implementing instructional activities and assessments to increase and measure student achievement
• Respond to Instruction and programming needs of teachers, administrators and support staff
• Assist teachers with progress monitoring for current initiatives
• Serves as resource person and coach for staff to implement teaching techniques and classroom strategies to accommodate various student learning styles
• Demonstrates “best practices” models and strategies for teachers in the classroom setting and provide support and follow-up discussions
• Review IEPs in building teacher capacity for developing quality IEPs
• Provides guidance for classroom needs
• Provide individual and/or group instructional coaching and mentoring to teachers to improve classroom instruction for all learners
• Work with teachers and administration to analyze student data, diagnose instructional needs, and identify research-based instructional strategies to close achievement gaps
• Monitor programs and services for quality and compliance with IDEA regulations
• Provide job-embedded professional development for teachers through modeling engaging, standards-based teaching as needed
• Assist in special education professional learning communities and district special education leadership teams
• Collaborate with district Special Education Director to develop aligned curriculum components including assessments and perform other duties as assigned
• Stay updated on new and improved teaching strategies and resources for continued school improvement
• Communicate and report directly to the Special Education Director on a regular basis
• Act as liaison between teachers, administrators, parents, community agencies, and private schools
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools 

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary. 

Education: 

• Bachelors in education, special education, early childhood or a related field
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certification 

Experience: 

• Experience working with children with disabilities is often required, typically 1-3 years in a classroom or direct service role
• Experience in early intervention or preschool settings is highly valued
• Experience with behavior management techniques and strategies

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• 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 cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities to work with families, other educators, and service providers
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents and school personnel at all levels
• Considers the individual needs and abilities of students
• Familiarity with developmental milestones and adapting instructional materials to meet diverse needs 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting.  

• This itinerant nature requires flexibility and reliable transportation for driving to various sites within the district
• Frequent collaboration with families, classroom teachers, therapists, and other professionals to support the child’s learning and development
• Work hours may vary depending on student needs, family schedules, and travel time between locations
• Assisting children with physical tasks, such as transitioning between activities or using adaptive equipment
• Extended periods of sitting (e.g., during instruction) or standing (e.g., while engaging with children during activities)
• Occasionally lifting or carrying children or materials, such as instructional supplies, books, or sensory tools up to 25lbs
• Awareness of potential exposure to illnesses, as children in early childhood settings may have weaker immune systems

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:$55,386 Per Year
Job Categories:

Special Education > General Special Education