2026-2027 1.0 FTE Teacher Special Education LSC - Cochise ES

PAY GRADE: 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

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: (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

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS: (positions in this class typically require):

Licensing Requirements:

• Appropriate Teaching Certificate for position applied for from Arizona Department of Education (ADE)

KEY COMPETENCIES: (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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

·       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.

NOTE: 

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.