SY 2026/2027 Special Education Teacher (West Phoenix)

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.

Job Summary

Contract for SY 2026/2027
The Certified Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities under the direction of the campus Principal and Superintendent with direct support from the program coordinator. This role also requires the evaluation and assessment of student progress against instructional objectives; follows State mandate due process procedures and functions as IEP manager to assigned students. 

Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following:

• Assesses student progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustment to instructional techniques.
• Completes all district and state reporting requirements.
• Complies with all school, board of director policies, and all state/federal rules and regulations. 
• Supports in special education evaluations and reevaluations. 
• Coordinates the delivery of special education services in each student’s IEP. 
• Creates a positive learning experience with emphasis on individualized instruction using appropriate sources as provided through The ACES approved curriculum.
• Develops and implements annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students to include present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and the special education and related services with child study team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies. 
• Employs various teaching techniques, methods, and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals. 
• Provides direction, supervision, and evaluation of educational assistants as directed. 
• Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s IEP.
• Schedules team meetings and works cooperatively with TSS (Para-pros) team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies for the classroom and team. 
• Serves as primary contact for parents/guardians. 
• Works directly with parents/guardians, districts, and charter referral sources.

Other functions of the job include but are not limited to the following.

• Collaborates and consults with educational professionals and community providers regarding the students. 
• Employs and implements a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation, and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures. 
• Establishes and maintains student control and discipline in the classroom, school premises or during school activities outside the classroom. 
• Performs other duties of a like or similar nature apparent or assigned. 
• Trains and provides consultation to classroom TSS (para-pros) regarding classroom adaptations, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities. 

Knowledge Skills and Ability Required:

• Ability to deliver and articulate oral presentations and written reports.
• Ability to effectively analyze needs and problems objectively. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, administration, and public. 
• Knowledge and skills in working with children with behavior and emotional disabilities. 
• Knowledge of relevant technology including the use of technology such as i-pads to individualize instruction. 
• Must have the ability and proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis. 
• Perform all other related work delegated required to accomplish the objectives of the school program. 
• Thorough knowledge of school rules, regulations procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior. 
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching of students with disabilities. 
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of special education and specialty area.

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree required in teaching from an accredited institution in the appropriate special education area 
• AZ Special Education Certification or Alternative SPED Certification (required)
• Current Arizona teaching license in required content area or progress to get AZ cert/license

Physical Requirements:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 50 pounds (and/or to adult size body weight with two-to-three-person lift).
• Position can require some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior. Usage of CPI. 

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance

#IND1

Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!