Phoenix Union High School District OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Phoenix Union High School District hires OPT students in education-related roles, including teaching, counseling, and administrative positions. The district's H-1B visa filing history signals a willingness to support long-term work authorization transitions, making it a practical target for F-1 graduates pursuing careers in K-12 education.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Type:
Classroom Teacher/TEACHER, ESS SPECIALIZED PROGRAM
Date Posted:
5/8/2026
Location:
CACTUS CANYON HIGH SCHOOL
Closing Date:
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
PHOENIX
PXU
UNION Equal Opportunity Employer
ESS Teacher - Specialized Programs
DEPARTMENT: Exceptional Student Services
SALARY SCHEDULE: Certified
LOCATION: School/Unit as Assigned
WORK YEAR: 9 months
The Phoenix Union High School District is proud to serve a diverse population of 24,000 students and 3,400 employees in Arizona's capital city. With a portfolio of comprehensive schools, small specialty schools, support schools, micro-schools, magnet programs, and extensive Career & Technical Education (CTE) offerings, PXU's schools of opportunity welcome, love, and inspire all students to go places and do things that matter.
SUMMARY:
The ESS teacher for Specialized Programs will work in a dedicated setting to meet the unique needs of exceptional learners. They will create a safe learning environment that accommodates individual student needs, providing instruction both inside and outside the general education setting. With expertise in exceptionalities including for students with significant cognitive disabilities, the teacher ensures access to challenging activities and materials in line with Board-approved curricula and in accordance with federal and state law and Board policy. They implement individualized special education services using district resources for specially designed instruction and collaborate effectively with administrators, service providers (including but not limited to SLP, OT, PT, Nurse, and/or BIS), families, and other stakeholders to advocate for student success. The teacher diligently monitors the academic and behavioral progress of students on their caseload and takes a proactive approach to collaborative problem-solving. This includes advocating for support and addressing students' needs in academics, social-emotional wellbeing, communication, and transition services. Our specialized programs consist of functional courses for students with moderate to severe disabilities, supporting in our Community-Based Training (CBT) program, including students taking alternative assessments, and skills courses for students with mild to moderate disabilities supported in our Practical program. We also offer specialized classrooms for students with significant medical needs (THRIVE) and for students with significant sensory needs (STRIVE).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Designs, plans, and provides specially designed instruction based on individualized education programs (IEP).
- Collaborates with other professionals on how to implement accommodations and modifications based on IEPs.
- Coordinates with other certified and classified staff, such as, but not limited to, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and instructional aides, to ensure that services are provided in accordance with an IEP.
- Designs specially designed instruction for students to have high-quality academic experiences aligned to the general education curricula but requiring significant adaptations due to the cognitive variabilities of students in the classroom.
- Assesses student learning by using appropriate formal and informal methods.
- Uses content knowledge and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively to foster student learning in a specialized setting.
- Uses district and state assessment data, predominantly the state alternate assessment due to students in the classroom, to improve instruction and place students in proper instructional and intervention programs.
- Administers state assessments, which may include alternative assessments.
- Keeps and maintains required records, such as IEP goals and short-term objectives, progress reports, parent/student communication logs, and IEP paperwork by deadlines.
- Reviews caseload to ensure that federal and state requirements are met in accordance with timelines for annual IEP meetings, progress reports, Extended School Year decisions, and implementation of transition services.
- Acts in accordance with PXU core values to communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress.
- Documents and resolves issues related to student behavior problems and attendance.
- Follows meeting agenda to lead annual IEP meetings for students on their caseload.
- Attends ongoing professional development and is willing to apply new evidence-based strategies to their teaching practices.
- Commits to be an active participant in a collaborative team to review data, engage in new strategies, and address needs identified by the group.
- Assumes legal responsibility for the supervision of students on school property or in attendance at school sponsored events.
- Supports and directs instructional assistants in collecting data on academic goals, behavioral support, and completion of activities of daily living.
- Develops, plans, and organizes community-based activities that align with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and goals. Activities may include work-based learning experiences, community outings, job shadowing, volunteer opportunities, and social skill development activities.
- Supervises and supports students during community-based activities, ensuring their safety, engagement, and active participation. Provide individualized assistance as needed to promote social skills, communication, and functional life skills.
- Other duties as assigned
The above essential functions are intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
- Possess a bachelor's degree
- Have experience working with students with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, autism, and/or other areas of eligibility that require significantly adapted and modified curriculum.
- Demonstrate knowledge and experience in the development and implementation of special services activities and related documents that conform to federal, state, and district guidelines.
- Experience in training staff to implement services and paperwork to conform to federal, state, and district guidelines.
License and Certification Requirements:
- Possess a Current Arizona Standard Secondary Teaching Certificate.
- Possess a current certification in Special Education.
IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, county, city, and district statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to work with other professionals collaboratively to ensure deadlines are met.
- Ability to identify effective accommodations and modifications, then work collaboratively to implement them in an inclusion setting based on student needs.
- Ability to collaborate with others and advocate the need for best practices to support student learning.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the public, and others having business with the school district.
- Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
- Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office and classroom environment.
WHY WORK AT PXU
The Phoenix Union High School District is one of the state's largest employers. Our 3,400 education professionals are committed to providing an excellent learning environment for our students while enjoying an inspiring work environment.
- Highly Competitive Pay
- Participation in Arizona State Retirement System
- Vacation and Personal Leave Plans (for eligible positions)
- Comprehensive Employee Benefits
- Education Loan Forgiveness (If eligible)
- Paid Winter and Spring Breaks
The Board is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation, as well as gender identity, gender expression and immigration status. This policy will prevail in all matters concerning staff members, students, the public, educational programs and services, and individuals with whom the Board does business.
DIVISION:
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
SUPERVISION GIVEN:
Teaching & Learning
Site Administration
None
Position Type:
Classroom Teacher/TEACHER, ESS SPECIALIZED PROGRAM
Date Posted:
5/8/2026
Location:
CACTUS CANYON HIGH SCHOOL
Closing Date:
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
PHOENIX
PXU
UNION Equal Opportunity Employer
ESS Teacher - Specialized Programs
DEPARTMENT: Exceptional Student Services
SALARY SCHEDULE: Certified
LOCATION: School/Unit as Assigned
WORK YEAR: 9 months
The Phoenix Union High School District is proud to serve a diverse population of 24,000 students and 3,400 employees in Arizona's capital city. With a portfolio of comprehensive schools, small specialty schools, support schools, micro-schools, magnet programs, and extensive Career & Technical Education (CTE) offerings, PXU's schools of opportunity welcome, love, and inspire all students to go places and do things that matter.
SUMMARY:
The ESS teacher for Specialized Programs will work in a dedicated setting to meet the unique needs of exceptional learners. They will create a safe learning environment that accommodates individual student needs, providing instruction both inside and outside the general education setting. With expertise in exceptionalities including for students with significant cognitive disabilities, the teacher ensures access to challenging activities and materials in line with Board-approved curricula and in accordance with federal and state law and Board policy. They implement individualized special education services using district resources for specially designed instruction and collaborate effectively with administrators, service providers (including but not limited to SLP, OT, PT, Nurse, and/or BIS), families, and other stakeholders to advocate for student success. The teacher diligently monitors the academic and behavioral progress of students on their caseload and takes a proactive approach to collaborative problem-solving. This includes advocating for support and addressing students' needs in academics, social-emotional wellbeing, communication, and transition services. Our specialized programs consist of functional courses for students with moderate to severe disabilities, supporting in our Community-Based Training (CBT) program, including students taking alternative assessments, and skills courses for students with mild to moderate disabilities supported in our Practical program. We also offer specialized classrooms for students with significant medical needs (THRIVE) and for students with significant sensory needs (STRIVE).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Designs, plans, and provides specially designed instruction based on individualized education programs (IEP).
- Collaborates with other professionals on how to implement accommodations and modifications based on IEPs.
- Coordinates with other certified and classified staff, such as, but not limited to, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and instructional aides, to ensure that services are provided in accordance with an IEP.
- Designs specially designed instruction for students to have high-quality academic experiences aligned to the general education curricula but requiring significant adaptations due to the cognitive variabilities of students in the classroom.
- Assesses student learning by using appropriate formal and informal methods.
- Uses content knowledge and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively to foster student learning in a specialized setting.
- Uses district and state assessment data, predominantly the state alternate assessment due to students in the classroom, to improve instruction and place students in proper instructional and intervention programs.
- Administers state assessments, which may include alternative assessments.
- Keeps and maintains required records, such as IEP goals and short-term objectives, progress reports, parent/student communication logs, and IEP paperwork by deadlines.
- Reviews caseload to ensure that federal and state requirements are met in accordance with timelines for annual IEP meetings, progress reports, Extended School Year decisions, and implementation of transition services.
- Acts in accordance with PXU core values to communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress.
- Documents and resolves issues related to student behavior problems and attendance.
- Follows meeting agenda to lead annual IEP meetings for students on their caseload.
- Attends ongoing professional development and is willing to apply new evidence-based strategies to their teaching practices.
- Commits to be an active participant in a collaborative team to review data, engage in new strategies, and address needs identified by the group.
- Assumes legal responsibility for the supervision of students on school property or in attendance at school sponsored events.
- Supports and directs instructional assistants in collecting data on academic goals, behavioral support, and completion of activities of daily living.
- Develops, plans, and organizes community-based activities that align with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and goals. Activities may include work-based learning experiences, community outings, job shadowing, volunteer opportunities, and social skill development activities.
- Supervises and supports students during community-based activities, ensuring their safety, engagement, and active participation. Provide individualized assistance as needed to promote social skills, communication, and functional life skills.
- Other duties as assigned
The above essential functions are intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
- Possess a bachelor's degree
- Have experience working with students with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, autism, and/or other areas of eligibility that require significantly adapted and modified curriculum.
- Demonstrate knowledge and experience in the development and implementation of special services activities and related documents that conform to federal, state, and district guidelines.
- Experience in training staff to implement services and paperwork to conform to federal, state, and district guidelines.
License and Certification Requirements:
- Possess a Current Arizona Standard Secondary Teaching Certificate.
- Possess a current certification in Special Education.
IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, county, city, and district statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to work with other professionals collaboratively to ensure deadlines are met.
- Ability to identify effective accommodations and modifications, then work collaboratively to implement them in an inclusion setting based on student needs.
- Ability to collaborate with others and advocate the need for best practices to support student learning.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the public, and others having business with the school district.
- Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
- Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office and classroom environment.
WHY WORK AT PXU
The Phoenix Union High School District is one of the state's largest employers. Our 3,400 education professionals are committed to providing an excellent learning environment for our students while enjoying an inspiring work environment.
- Highly Competitive Pay
- Participation in Arizona State Retirement System
- Vacation and Personal Leave Plans (for eligible positions)
- Comprehensive Employee Benefits
- Education Loan Forgiveness (If eligible)
- Paid Winter and Spring Breaks
The Board is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation, as well as gender identity, gender expression and immigration status. This policy will prevail in all matters concerning staff members, students, the public, educational programs and services, and individuals with whom the Board does business.
DIVISION:
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
SUPERVISION GIVEN:
Teaching & Learning
Site Administration
None
Job Roles at Phoenix Union High School District
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Phoenix Union High School District OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Align your degree to Arizona teaching needs
Phoenix Union serves a large, diverse student population with chronic shortages in STEM, special education, and bilingual instruction. Match your academic background to these documented shortage areas before applying, hiring managers prioritize candidates whose degree field directly addresses district curriculum gaps.
Verify STEM OPT E-Verify enrollment early
STEM OPT's 24-month extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify before your extension begins. Confirm Phoenix Union's E-Verify status during the interview stage so your DSO can time the I-983 training plan submission without risking a gap in your work authorization.
Target roles that feed the H-1B pipeline
Phoenix Union has filed H-1B petitions in education, which means some OPT hires do progress to long-term sponsorship. Prioritize positions in departments with recurring H-1B filings, instructional and specialist roles tend to offer stronger pathways than purely administrative support positions.
Research prevailing wages before salary talks
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up wage levels for your job title in Maricopa County before your offer conversation. Arizona public school districts must meet DOL wage requirements for any subsequent H-1B filing, so confirming alignment early avoids renegotiation later in the process.
Use Migrate Mate to confirm LCA filing history
Before accepting an offer, check Phoenix Union's Labor Condition Application history on Migrate Mate. Seeing which job titles and wage levels the district has certified gives you concrete evidence of its sponsorship track record and strengthens your negotiating position during the offer stage.
Submit your OPT EAD before the job start date
USCIS recommends filing your OPT EAD application no later than 90 days before your program end date. Phoenix Union's HR onboarding requires verified work authorization before your first day, so a late EAD filing can delay your start date even after an offer is signed.
Phoenix Union High School District OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Phoenix Union High School District sponsor OPT visas?
Phoenix Union doesn't sponsor OPT directly, USCIS grants OPT work authorization to F-1 students independent of the employer. What Phoenix Union does is hire students who already hold a valid OPT EAD. The district's H-1B filing history in education indicates it's open to employing and eventually sponsoring international workers long-term.
Which roles at Phoenix Union High School District typically hire OPT students?
OPT students most commonly find placement in instructional roles, including classroom teaching, bilingual education, special education support, and school counseling. Administrative and curriculum-development positions have also been filled by international candidates. Roles with documented teacher shortage designations in Arizona tend to move fastest through hiring and offer clearer H-1B transition potential.
How do I navigate the OPT-to-H-1B transition at Phoenix Union High School District?
Start the conversation about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage, not after you're hired. Phoenix Union's HR team will need to work with immigration counsel to file an LCA with DOL and then petition USCIS. Using Migrate Mate to review the district's existing LCA filings by job title helps you enter that conversation with specific, verifiable data.
How do I make my application stand out for OPT roles at Phoenix Union High School District?
Frame your application around Arizona's documented teacher shortage subjects, STEM, special education, and English language development are perennial priorities for Phoenix Union. Highlight any student teaching, tutoring, or curriculum work that maps directly to K-12 classroom delivery. Demonstrating subject-matter depth in a high-need area is more persuasive than general education credentials alone.
What timeline should I expect for OPT hiring at Phoenix Union High School District?
Phoenix Union typically hires on the academic calendar, with most instructional positions posted between February and May for fall placement. Apply at least 90 days before your intended start date to allow time for background checks, state certification verification, and HR onboarding. STEM OPT extension applications to USCIS should be filed before your current EAD expires to avoid an authorization gap.
How does Phoenix Union High School District hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. Phoenix Union High School District can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check Phoenix Union High School District's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.