Learning Guide

About The HEART Center

The HEART Center is a nonprofit microschool and equine-based learning program serving students with disabilities.

Our Education through Recreation model combines academics, communication, life skills, vocational learning, recreation, community experiences, and equine-assisted activities. We believe students learn best when education is meaningful, hands-on, connected to real life, and built around their individual strengths.

We are a small, collaborative school community where teachers have the flexibility to meet students where they are rather than forcing every learner into the same approach.

Position Overview

We are seeking a creative, dependable, and compassionate Learning Guide to lead a small classroom of students with disabilities.

At The HEART Center, our teachers are called Learning Guides because the role goes beyond delivering traditional classroom instruction. Learning Guides create meaningful learning experiences, help students build confidence and independence, and support students in applying academic skills across real-world settings.

This position is ideal for a teacher who enjoys working with small groups, adapting instruction, collaborating closely with support staff, and creating hands-on lessons that connect academics with life skills, vocational development, recreation, and the world around us.

Our students have a wide range of communication, sensory, physical, and learning needs. The right candidate will presume competence, remain flexible, and recognize that communication and participation may look different for every student.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include:

• Planning and leading classroom instruction for a small group of students
• Adapting academic content to meet a range of learning and communication needs
• Creating hands-on, project-based, and real-world learning experiences
• Be part of a team that creates an academic experience Integrating reading, writing, math, science, social studies, life skills, recreation, and vocational learning
• Supporting students who use AAC devices, letterboards, or other communication systems as needed
• Collaborating with instructional aides and communication partners
• Helping students build independence, self-advocacy, regulation, and functional skills
• Opportunities to support students during equine-assisted learning, recreation, vocational activities, and community experiences
• Monitoring student progress and maintaining appropriate documentation
• Communicating professionally and respectfully with families
• Participating in team meetings, staff development, planning, and school events
• Helping prepare classrooms, curriculum materials, and learning environments
• Supporting school-break camps and seasonal programming as assigned
• Contributing to horse care and general campus responsibilities when needed

Schedule

The primary school-year schedule is:

Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Occasional Fridays may be required for:

• Staff development and training
• Classroom and curriculum preparation
• School events
• Recreation-based community field trips
• Camps or other program needs

The HEART Center follows a school-year calendar. Fewer hours may be required during certain school breaks; however, employees remain responsible for assigned school preparation, program support, horse care, training, and school-break programming.

Summer compensation is connected to participation in The HEART Center’s summer camps and seasonal programs. Employees who choose not to work available summer programming may have their compensation adjusted and may be placed on temporary hold until the school year resumes.

Qualifications

Preferred candidates will have facilitation experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Special education
• Classroom teaching
• Microschool, Homeschool or alternative education
• Project-based or experiential learning
• Disability support
• AAC or communication-partner support
• Functional academics
• Vocational or life-skills instruction
• Recreation, camps, or community-based programming

A traditional teaching background is valuable, but we are most interested in candidates who understand that meaningful learning does not happen through worksheets, desks, and conventional classroom methods.

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have classroom teaching, instructional, or closely related experience
• Be comfortable supporting students with a wide range of disabilities
• Be willing to learn and support individualized communication systems
• Be able to lead a classroom group of 4-6 kids and collaborate with instructional aides
• Be flexible, dependable, organized, and comfortable adapting throughout the day
• Be comfortable participating in active, outdoor, and hands-on programming
• Maintain student dignity, confidentiality, and professional boundaries
• Complete all required background screenings
• Obtain and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification
• Participate in required safety, mandated-reporting, abuse-prevention, communication, and disability-support training
• Have reliable transportation to report to assigned work and program locations

Who We Are Looking For

This role may be a strong fit for someone who:

• Believes students with disabilities are capable of meaningful academic and personal growth
• Presumes competence and respects all forms of communication
• Enjoys teaching small groups and building strong student relationships
• Can create engaging lessons without relying entirely on traditional curriculum
• Understands that regulation, communication, and connection are part of learning
• Is comfortable giving direction while also working collaboratively
• Can balance structure with flexibility
• Enjoys hands-on learning, recreation, animals, and community-based education
• Takes initiative and notices what students and the classroom need
• Wants to be part of a small, mission-driven team

To Apply

All applicants must submit a résumé and a brief introduction message through Indeed or by email. Your introduction should share your relevant experience, why you are interested in this position, and why you believe you would be a strong fit for The HEART Center.

Résumés submitted without an introduction message will not be considered.

Pay: $36,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience teaching individuals with autism or related disorders?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $36,000 - $48,000