Certified Salary Schedule
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
POSITION OBJECTIVE: The Special Education Teacher provides intensive, individualized instruction and behavioral support to students with significant disabilities whose needs require a highly structured, self-contained educational setting. This role focuses on supporting students’ academic, behavioral, and functional skill development in alignment with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), state standards, and district expectations.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary
- Provide direct instruction to students with moderate to severe disabilities in a self-contained classroom setting
- Design, implement, and monitor individualized, data-driven instructional programs aligned with IEP goals
- Develop and maintain a structured, predictable, and supportive learning environment
- Implement positive behavior supports, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and de-escalation strategies as needed
- Collect, analyze, and report student data to inform instruction and document progress
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including related service providers, administrators, and families
- Lead and participate in IEP meetings, progress reporting, and compliance documentation
- Supervise and collaborate with instructional assistants and paraprofessional staff
- Utilize assistive technology and adaptive materials to support student access and engagement
- Maintain compliance with IDEA, state regulations, district policies, and safety procedures
- Work is primarily conducted in a self-contained classroom with small student-to-staff ratios
- Other duties as assigned
(positions in this class typically require):
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
- Valid state certification in Special Education (appropriate grade level and disability category)
- Knowledge of special education laws, IEP development, and due process requirements
- Experience or training working with students with significant behavioral, cognitive, or developmental needs
- Strong classroom management and behavior support skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, families, and service providers
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- SEI Endorsement required
(positions in this class typically require):
Licensing Requirements
- Appropriate Teaching Certificate for position applied for from Arizona Department of Education (ADE)
(position requirements at entry):
- Experience in self-contained, or intensive special education programs
- Training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), behavior management, or trauma-informed practices, preferred
- Experience supervising paraprofessionals
- Familiarity with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems
- Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
- Position requires the ability to manage a physically and emotionally demanding classroom environment
- May include standing, lifting, or assisting students with mobility, personal care, or toileting as needed
- Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
- Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, odors, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.
The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.
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