<strong>Online Position<br><br></strong><strong>Exciting Opportunities Await! Leona Group Schools are actively seeking passionate educators to join our dynamic team. As we expand our teaching community, we take pride in offering: <br><br></strong><strong>Professional Development and Support: Elevate your career with ongoing professional development opportunities and dedicated support systems that foster growth and excellence. <br><br></strong><strong>Merit Based Pay: We proudly offer a merit-based compensation structure, recognizing and rewarding excellence in performance. Additionally, our commitment extends beyond financial incentives to include opportunities for ongoing professional growth. <br><br></strong><strong>Low-Cost, High-Value Benefits: We prioritize affordable excellence in benefits for our dedicated educators. Delve into a comprehensive package designed to not only meet but exceed your expectations.<br><br></strong><strong>Join us in creating a rewarding educational journey for both you and your students. Apply now and select where you will make a difference!<br><br></strong>An Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Teacher plays a critical role in providing individualized instruction, accommodations, and support to students with disabilities. This position requires designing and implementing specialized learning plans, collaborating with general education teachers and related service providers, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).<br><br>The ESS Teacher is responsible for scheduling, planning, and delivering specially designed instruction to students with disabilities across various educational settings. This role requires implementing highly effective, individualized instruction aligned with student IEPs, state standards, and the school’s approved curriculum to drive student achievement.<br><br>A strong understanding of instructional best practices and compliance requirements is essential, ensuring that specially designed instruction and services are delivered with fidelity. The ESS Teacher also provides inclusive support to both students and teachers, fostering an accessible and equitable learning environment that maximizes student participation in the general education curriculum.<br><br>Additionally, the ESS Teacher is responsible for maintaining accurate tracking systems to ensure compliance with Board policies and procedures related to Exceptional Student Services. This position requires collaboration with general education teachers, families, and service providers to create meaningful learning experiences that support students' academic, social, and emotional growth.<br><br>KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs):<br><br>Knowledge:<br><br><ul><li>Special Education Laws & Policies – Understanding of federal and state laws (IDEA, Section 504, ADA) and Arizona-specific regulations governing special education.</li><li>Growth Mindset & Professional Development – Understands the importance of continuous learning, adapting to change, and improving instructional practices to enhance student success.</li><li>Inclusive Education Philosophy – Supports the belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels with the right supports and instruction.</li><li>IEP Development & Implementation – Knowledge of how to create, manage, and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with legal requirements.</li><li>Behavioral Management Strategies – Familiarity with Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).</li><li>Instructional Strategies – Expertise in differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and research-based interventions tailored to diverse learning needs.</li><li>Assessment & Data Analysis – Understanding various assessments (formative, summative, and standardized) and how to interpret data to inform instruction.</li><li>Disability Categories & Their Impact on Learning – Awareness of different disabilities (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia, emotional disturbance) and their implications for instruction and classroom management.</li><li>Assistive Technology & Accommodations – Familiarity with assistive devices, software, and accommodations/modifications to support diverse learners.</li><li>Compliance & Documentation – Knowledge of state and federal requirements for reporting, documentation, and legal compliance in special education.</li><li>Initiative in Problem-Solving – Ability to proactively identify challenges, research solutions, and implement innovative approaches to improve student outcomes.<br><br></li></ul>Skills:<br><br><ul><li>Building Positive Relationships – Prioritizes positive relationships with students, parents, and co-workers to foster a supportive learning environment.</li><li>Collaboration & Teamwork – Works effectively with colleagues, respects all members of the school community, and contributes to a positive school culture.</li><li>Classroom Management – Ability to create a structured, inclusive, and positive learning environment that supports student engagement.</li><li>Effective Communication – Strong written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with parents, students, staff, and external agencies.</li><li>Adaptability & Problem-Solving – Ability to modify instruction and interventions based on student progress and changing needs.</li><li>IEP Writing & Documentation – Skill in writing clear, measurable IEP goals, tracking student progress, and maintaining accurate records.</li><li>Differentiation & Scaffolding – Proficiency in tailoring instruction to meet individual learning styles and abilities.</li><li>Collaboration & Teamwork – Ability to work effectively with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, and administrators.</li><li>Cultural Competency & Inclusivity – Skill in fostering an equitable and supportive classroom environment for students from diverse backgrounds.</li><li>Technology Integration – Ability to incorporate digital tools and assistive technology into instruction.</li><li>Self-Initiative & Continuous Improvement – Demonstrated ability to take initiative in developing new strategies, improving instructional practices, and engaging in professional growth.<br><br></li></ul>Abilities:<br><br><ul><li>Build Positive Relationships – Establish strong connections with students, families, and colleagues to foster a supportive learning community.</li><li>Adaptability & Resilience – Reacts well to change, remains flexible in challenging situations, and actively seeks opportunities for professional growth</li><li>Respect & Equity – Demonstrates respect for all members of the school community, ensuring an inclusive and supportive educational environment.</li><li>Organization & Time Management – Effectively manage multiple responsibilities, including lesson planning, documentation, and meetings.</li><li>Analyze and Interpret Information – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information from a variety of sources and formats, including academic research, student assessments, educational policies, and instructional materials, to inform decision-making and improve student outcomes.</li><li>Advocate for Students – Ability to ensure students receive appropriate services, accommodations, and supports based on their needs.</li><li>Foster Independence & Self-Advocacy – Support students in developing self-determination skills and taking an active role in their education.</li><li>Stay Current with Best Practices – Willingness to engage in continuous professional development and implement new research-based strategies.</li><li>Demonstrate Initiative in Leadership & Innovation – Take proactive steps to improve programs, introduce new methodologies, and support colleagues in instructional excellence.</li><li>Maintain Confidentiality & Ethical Standards – Adherence to FERPA, ethical guidelines, and professional conduct expectations in special education.<br><br></li></ul><strong>Qualifications<br><br></strong>Supervision:<br><br>The ESS teacher reports directly to the School Leader. Additional support and supervision may be provided by the Director of Exceptional Student Services as well as ESS Coordinators.<br><br>Calendar: School Teacher calendar<br><br>Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree<br><br>Preferred Education: Master’s Degree<br><br>Certification Requirements:<br><br><ul><li>Current Arizona Special Education Teacher Certification or Mild-Moderate Special Education Endorsement</li><li>Current DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card<br><br></li></ul>Desired Qualifications:<br><br><ul><li>1-2 years of special education teaching experience in a variety of school settings</li><li>Experience developing and planning specially designed instruction based on student IEPs<br><br></li></ul><strong>The Leona Group is an equal opportunity employer with a continuing policy to ensure that fair and equal employment opportunities are extended to all persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.</strong>