Specialist - Early Learning 2025-2026

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.
  
  
  
  

Employment Type:

Full-time

Base Salary:

$77,386.00

Calendar:03

Certified Exempt, 261 workdays

Benefits:

Sick leave, vacation, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

$500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience beyond the five year requirement

New Hire Education:

$65/hour of graduate level credits: BA 45 hours max, MA 60 hours max $1000 for advanced degrees

Job Summary:

The Early Learning Specialist’s primary responsibility is to coordinate the delivery of special services to preschool children.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Participate as a member of the early learning leadership team in addressing program improvement and district initiatives to improve student outcomes
• Provide ongoing support to site administrators and classroom teachers
• Conduct staff training related to compliance with special education and section 504 requirements, behavior intervention, strategies, and instruction
• Review Special education reports for completeness and quality and provide feedback
• Provide support to preschool teachers and other personnel
• Research and disseminate resources as appropriate
• Train new and continuing teachers in the use of district materials, curricula, and State Standards
• Interview and recommend staff for hire according to district guidelines
• Evaluate assigned personnel according to district guidelines
• Advocate and promote early learning programs by keeping informed of and participating in local, state, and national organizations/agencies
• Assist individual teachers in the development of specialized programs and/or projects
• Increase and enhance own professional knowledge, skills, and expertise about early learning curriculum
• Maintain the Early Learning website to ensure accuracy and dissemination of information
• Exhibit professional attitude, appearance, and demeanor
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools
  
  

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.

Education:

• Bachelors degree in early childhood, childhood development, education or related field
• Master’s Degree in Special Education, curriculum and instruction or related field preferred
• Current Arizona teaching certificate in Special Education
  
  

Experience:

• Minimum five years successful classroom teaching experience; experience working in an early childhood setting required
• Three years of successful leadership experience such as lead teacher, program coordinator, or department head preferred
• Experience managing teams, budgets, or compliance with early childhood education regulations
  
  

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.
• Knowledge of district, state and federal regulations, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge and skills in areas such as mentoring; classroom management; alignment of curriculum and instruction; peer coaching
• Knowledge and understanding of effective strategies for instructing diverse learners
• Expertise in working collaboratively with colleagues in areas of professional development, learning teams, new teacher support, and/or instructional planning
• Experience in the supervision of personnel
• Possess a strong commitment to continuous improvement supporting the MPS mission and strategic plan
• Effective communication, planning, organization, presentation, and leadership skills; ability to work with and motivate others
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently without constant supervision and under stressful timelines
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting.

• Office-based: Planning, administrative tasks, and collaboration with staff or stakeholders
• Classroom or learning center: Observing teachers and students, providing support, or modeling instructional techniques
• Ability to sit for extended periods during meetings or desk work
• Ability to move between classrooms, offices, or other locations throughout the workday
• May involve local travel between early learning sites, schools, or community centers
• Ability to lift and carry materials, such as teaching aids, books, or classroom supplies, typically up to 25-50 pounds
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.