Special Education Teacher (K-12) – Ascent Academy

Special Education Teacher (K-12) – Ascent Academy

Why We Do What We Do

At Ascent Academy, we believe that behavior is communication and that every child deserves a safe place to be understood. We serve amazing K-12 students who face significant behavioral and neurodiverse challenges, recognizing that trauma often creates barriers to traditional learning. Our philosophy is rooted in a trauma-informed framework where safety and regulation come first. By maintaining a 'calm in the storm' presence and small 4:1 staff-to-student ratios, we create an environment where students feel secure enough to engage with our academic and social-emotional curriculum and finally reach their full potential.

About Us

Ascent Academy is an ADE-approved private special education day school dedicated to students in grades K-12 with intensive behavioral needs, behavioral health challenges, and/or autism. We believe that behavior is communication and that trauma shouldn't be a barrier to a child's potential. We provide a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment where students can work through challenges and achieve academic and social-emotional growth.

The Role: A "Calm in the Storm"

We are seeking dedicated Elementary and Secondary Special Education Teachers who are passionate about advocacy and growth. At Ascent Academy, you aren't just an instructor; you are a stabilizer. You will lead a small-group classroom (4:1 student-to-staff ratio) and work closely with our behavioral team to ensure every child feels safe enough to learn.

Key Responsibilities

• Instruction: Deliver specialized academic instruction and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) using our established curriculum.
• Case Management: Serve as the IEP Case Manager for your roster, ensuring all accommodations and goals are met with fidelity.
• Collaboration: Partner with the behavioral team to implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). While you aren't the primary author of the BIP, your daily data and feedback are vital to its success.
• IEP Leadership: Facilitate IEP reviews with parents and school districts (typically 2-3 times per year) to celebrate progress and adjust supports.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Maintain a regulated, calm, and supportive classroom environment that recognizes the impact of trauma on learning.

Qualifications

• Certification: Valid Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate (Mild-Moderate or Moderate-Severe).
• We are open to candidates currently enrolled in an approved Alternative Certification Path.
• Experience: Experience working with students with behavioral health needs or autism is highly preferred.
• Mindset: A patient, "calm in the storm" demeanor and a deep belief that every student can reach their potential.

Physical Requirements & Safety

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to remain physically active (standing, walking, or bending) throughout the school day.
• Requirement to undergo training in and perform physical de-escalation/restraints when necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Benefits & Perks

• Supportive Ratios: Small class sizes with a maximum 4:1 staff-to-student ratio.
• Growth: Paid professional development and trauma-informed training.
• Classroom Ownership: A dedicated classroom supply budget to help you create a personalized learning environment.
• Purpose-Driven Work: A chance to make a life-changing impact on "amazing kids" who need your support.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $62,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Teaching: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Tempe, AZ 85282 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person