Job Description

Special Education Teacher - FRP 2026-2027

Apache Junction Unified School District

Full-Time | Exempt

Salary: Starting at $46,700 (DOE)

Reports To: Principal

Location: District-Wide Positions to be filled

Lead With Purpose. Serve With Heart. Put Kids First.

Apache Junction Unified School District is seeking a dedicated, student-centered Special Education Teacher who believes deeply in our Kids First mission. We are looking for an educator who builds strong relationships, supports diverse learners, and contributes to a safe, inclusive, and high-performing school environment.

This is an opportunity to join a team committed to innovation, equity, and excellence. If you are passionate about helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally - and you thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment - we want to meet you.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree Required. Master's Degree Preferred.
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate or other appropriate certification
• Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card (IVPP# required)
• SEI Endorsement

WHAT YOU'LL LEAD & SUPPORT

• Champion AJUSD's Kids First mission through every decision and interaction.
• Establish a positive, inclusive classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Provide learning experiences aligned with approved curriculum and State/District standards.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials that adapt curriculum to meet individual student needs.
• Communicate learning goals clearly and effectively to students.
• Facilitate small and large group instruction using research-based best practices.
• Integrate technology to enhance instruction and student engagement.
• Evaluate and monitor student growth and progress.
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by State/Federal law and District policy.
• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding student progress through oral and/or written communication.
• Participate in team reviews for low-performing or at-risk students.
• Use site, District, and State assessment data to guide instruction and determine appropriate interventions.
• Effectively implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Supervise students on school property and during school-sponsored activities.
• Take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Participate in school-wide events, meetings, and conferences with families.
• Engage in school and District initiatives.
• Maintain professional competence through District-provided and self-selected professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the District or school site.

CORE VALUES & PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

• Promote positive interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate responsibility, reliability, and punctuality.
• Show flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic school environment.
• Accept direction positively and professionally.
• Use effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Adhere to site-appropriate dress code expectations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive student and staff information.
• Serve as a positive role model for students.
• Follow all District and school rules, procedures, and policies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedural documents; write routine reports and correspondence; and communicate effectively with students, staff, and families. The role requires competency in basic mathematics, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, as well as computing rate, ratio, and percent and interpreting basic graphs. Candidates must also be able to apply common-sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagram-based instructions and address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Teaching positions typically require stooping, kneeling, crouching, fingering, standing, walking, pushing, reaching, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Employees may be exposed to travel, body fluids, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, workspace restrictions, varying temperatures, and moderate to intense noise levels.

Employees may be required to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY

Apache Junction Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), or disability in its employment practices.

ADA STATEMENT

AJUSD is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including the application process, hiring, job duties, and access to benefits and training. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position or to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Department.