Special Education Teacher

Foster a lifelong love of learning for students with special needs at Desert Choice Schools - division of LEARN Academy!

Who We’re Looking For

DCS is hiring a Special Education Teacher to provide a variety of instructional methods and strategies designed to meet the unique needs of the whole student.

Our Special Education Teachers create a teaching environment where students with special needs can experience intellectual, emotional, physical, and psychological growth. We implement direct instruction, computer-based instruction, blended learning, hands-on activities, and community-based instruction to fulfill student Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

You’ll boost each student’s confidence and help them achieve academic success by using educational resources that are research-based, highly motivational, and aligned with grade level outcomes.  

Allow Us to Introduce Ourselves

Desert Choice Schools (DCS) is a state-approved private day school in Arizona, serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. We provide individually tailored services to students with special needs — including autism and emotional and learning disabilities.

DCS is a division of the LEARN Academy, a national leader in special education, academic intervention, and specialized behavioral services. We use a structured program implemented in environments that facilitate functional independence and academic and social success.

What We Offer

• Small classroom sizes (12 students max)
• 10-month position, 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 towards final credential
• Highly qualified candidates pursuing advanced clinical degrees while teaching may be eligible for supervision in many clinical domains

What You Have

• 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.
• Must be able to assume a variety of postures (stoop, reach, stand, kneel, squat, sit, walk, lift, pull, grasp) for extended periods of time.
• Must be willing and able to implement safety measures consistent with Professional Crisis Management Association (PCMA), such as therapeutic holds and transportation procedures utilizing quick body movements in the course of maintaining the safety of students with special needs.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and implement student Individual Education Plans (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.
• Assist in assessing changing curricular needs and offer plans for improvement.
• Work collaboratively with a team of OTs, SLPs, BCBAs, Clinical Specialists, and Administrators.

Physical requirements vary and are based on specific student assignments. You 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.

Ready to make a difference in a student’s life? Apply today.

Desert Choice Schools/LEARN Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates must be presently eligible to work in the United States.