Special Education Teacher (Maricopa Area)

Maricopa, United States

Job Title: Special Education Teacher (Maricopa Area)

Location: Maricopa/surrounding area (Hybrid - In-Home & Virtual Instruction)

Pay: $28.00 – $34.00 per hour with SpEd Cert/ $26.00-$32.00 per hour with Alt Cert

Job Type: Part-Time (10-30hrs per week)

Who We Are: Goodwin Learning Academy (GLA) is a private day school proudly serving students with special needs in grades K–12. We specialize in delivering personalized, 1:1 and small group instruction in both in-home and online settings, providing an innovative, flexible model that meets students where they are. Rooted in trauma-informed practices and executive functioning development, our approach is designed to promote academic growth, confidence, and lifelong skills in a safe, supportive environment. Our team is deeply committed to helping every learner reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Position Overview: We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and adaptable Special Education Teacher who is deeply committed to supporting neurodiverse learners through individualized, relationship-based instruction. The ideal candidate is an experienced educator with proven strengths in behavior management and emotional regulation support. They approach challenging moments with empathy, patience, and confidence, utilizing evidence-based de-escalation strategies to help students feel safe, understood, and empowered to succeed.

This role is an excellent fit for an educator who thrives in 1:1 or small-group (1:6) settings, values flexibility, and is driven to make a meaningful impact in the lives of exceptional students. This position follows a hybrid instructional model, with instructional hours delivered both virtually and through in-home or off-campus sessions, allowing for dynamic and responsive learning experiences tailored to each student’s needs.

Duties

Provide specialized direct instruction in core academic subjects while integrating executive functioning skill development.
Design and deliver engaging lessons tailored to each student’s unique learning style, goals, and IEP/ILP.
Utilize trauma-informed and differentiated instructional strategies.
Foster a positive, inclusive learning environment using effective behavior management techniques.
Accurately maintain all student records, including IEP/ILP documentation, progress monitoring, and grading.
Collect and interpret academic, behavioral, and IEP goal data to evaluate student growth and guide individualized planning.
Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in special education.
Guide students through emotional and behavioral challenges by implementing individualized behavior plans, modeling self-regulation strategies, and responding to escalations with empathy and consistency.
Collaborate with the Director of Exceptional Student Services and the Director of Early Learning and Curriculum to foster consistent instructional alignment and ensure students receive holistic, coordinated support across services.
Work with students who have autism, developmental disabilities, or other special needs to promote their growth and independence.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must have a Bachelor's Degree
Must hold or be eligible to obtain one of the following: Arizona Teaching Certificate or Arizona Substitute Certificate
Must reside in Arizona
Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card (Required/ able to obtain upon hire)
Experience working with students with disabilities or in a specialized instructional setting.
Must be skilled in supporting students through emotional and behavioral challenges, following individualized behavior plans, and using proactive de-escalation techniques.
Strong understanding of child development, executive functioning, and behavior support strategies.
Skilled in verbal and written communication.

Preferred Qualifications:

Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate
Experience working with children in a classroom setting, particularly those with disabilities or special needs.
Strong skills in behavior management, lesson planning, and curriculum development.
Willingness to grow, learn, and contribute to a collaborative, student-centered team

Why Work at GLA?

At GLA, we believe every student deserves more than a one-size-fits-all education—so we built a school that refuses to settle for average. Our team is made up of passionate educators and support staff who are committed to meeting students where they are and helping them grow into who they’re meant to be.

We offer a supportive, collaborative environment where your voice matters, your well-being is prioritized, and your impact is felt daily. With flexible instruction models, GLA empowers teachers to do what they do best: teach with heart, creativity, and purpose.

If you’re looking for a place where innovation is encouraged, compassion is foundational, and every day brings meaningful connection—you’ll feel right at home here!

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $28.00 - $34.00 per hour

Expected hours: 9 – 30 per week

Benefits: