Special Education Teacher Jobs in Arizona
Special education teacher jobs in Arizona are in strong and steady demand, concentrated in K-12 public school districts, charter school networks, and regional educational cooperatives, with openings available from first-year teachers through lead special education coordinators and department heads. Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa are the primary hiring hubs, where large employers such as Kyrene School District, Tucson Unified School District, and Arizona Department of Education-contracted programs maintain consistent openings year-round. The most sought-after specialties in Arizona are autism spectrum support, emotional and behavioral disorders, and early childhood special education. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 126+ Special Education Teacher jobs
Fall 2027 Exceptional Student Services Coordinator/ Cross-Categorical Resource Teacher
Location: NEW Campus: Great Hearts Blossom Rock (10075 S. Dutchman Dr., Apache Junction, AZ 85120)
Reports To: Headmaster
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation Type: Salaried starting at $48,440
Position Summary: Great Hearts Academies is committed to serving the students within our special education population in a manner that reflects and affirms their dignity and rightful participation within the larger student body. Through the use of consultation, resource, and inclusion models in a variety of academic environments, the Special Education team aims to provide support for students while working to ensure as much time as appropriate is spent within the general classroom.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Planning and providing specially designed instructions to students receiving special education and related services.
- Collaborating with related service providers and general education staff in the implementation of accommodations and modifications
- Drafting and maintaining IEPs, Prior Written Notices, and potentially evaluation paperwork, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines
- Planning and facilitating meetings throughout the special education process
- Ongoing communication and collaboration with parents, staff, and administrative staff regarding student planning and progress.
- Managing the transition of new enrollees eligible for special education and related services.
Required/Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
Required/Preferred Experience: 1-2 years of special education experience.
Required/Preferred Skills: Certifications: SPED certification provision or standard to include, AZ Mild to Moderate, K-12 Cross-Categorical SPED. Certifications in specific learning disabilities such as, Moderate/Severe Disabilities K-12, or Intern/Alternative may be accepted.
Physical Functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.
Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.
This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Fall 2027 Exceptional Student Services Coordinator/ Cross-Categorical Resource Teacher
Location: NEW Campus: Great Hearts Blossom Rock (10075 S. Dutchman Dr., Apache Junction, AZ 85120)
Reports To: Headmaster
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation Type: Salaried starting at $48,440
Position Summary: Great Hearts Academies is committed to serving the students within our special education population in a manner that reflects and affirms their dignity and rightful participation within the larger student body. Through the use of consultation, resource, and inclusion models in a variety of academic environments, the Special Education team aims to provide support for students while working to ensure as much time as appropriate is spent within the general classroom.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Planning and providing specially designed instructions to students receiving special education and related services.
- Collaborating with related service providers and general education staff in the implementation of accommodations and modifications
- Drafting and maintaining IEPs, Prior Written Notices, and potentially evaluation paperwork, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines
- Planning and facilitating meetings throughout the special education process
- Ongoing communication and collaboration with parents, staff, and administrative staff regarding student planning and progress.
- Managing the transition of new enrollees eligible for special education and related services.
Required/Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
Required/Preferred Experience: 1-2 years of special education experience.
Required/Preferred Skills: Certifications: SPED certification provision or standard to include, AZ Mild to Moderate, K-12 Cross-Categorical SPED. Certifications in specific learning disabilities such as, Moderate/Severe Disabilities K-12, or Intern/Alternative may be accepted.
Physical Functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.
Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.
This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Find JobsSpecial Education Teacher Jobs by City in Arizona
Where Arizona roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Special Education Teacher Job Market in Arizona
A snapshot from current Arizona openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Washington Elementary School District #610
- LEARN Academy9
- Mesa Public Schools - AZ9
- Eleutheria8E
- Point Quest6
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Arizona Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education teacher jobs across Arizona.
- Active Arizona Special Education teaching certificate issued by the Arizona Department of Education
- Bachelor's degree in special education or closely related field required
- Experience implementing Individualized Education Programs for diverse student populations
- Knowledge of Arizona state standards and special education compliance requirements
- Proficiency with assistive technology and evidence-based instructional strategies
- Valid IVP fingerprint clearance card required by Arizona law
Special Education Teacher Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a special education teacher in Arizona?
To become a special education teacher in Arizona, you must earn a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field and obtain an Arizona teaching certificate with a special education endorsement through the Arizona Department of Education. The process requires completing an approved educator preparation program, passing the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments, and submitting a certification application to the ADE. An IVP fingerprint clearance card is also required before you can work in any Arizona school.
How much do special education teachers make in Arizona?
Special education teachers in Arizona earn a median of about $60,130 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $45,920 for the lowest 10% to over $80,680 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire special education teachers in Arizona?
Employers hiring special education teachers in Arizona right now include Washington Elementary School District #6, LEARN Academy, and Mesa Public Schools - AZ, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Arizona's large public school districts, charter networks, and regional education agencies tend to post the most consistent openings, particularly in the greater Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.
Which Arizona cities have the most special education teacher jobs?
Phoenix, Glendale, and Mesa are the Arizona cities with the most special education teacher openings. Phoenix leads because it anchors the state's largest concentration of public school districts and charter networks, while Tucson's demand is driven by Tucson Unified and several county-wide cooperative programs, and Mesa benefits from its own large unified district and proximity to the broader East Valley school system.
Are there remote special education teacher jobs in Arizona?
Yes, but they're rare. Special education teaching is a hands-on role that typically requires in-person support, assessment, and direct instruction with students. About 4% of special education teacher openings tied to Arizona are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be roles focused on virtual charter school instruction or special education consulting and compliance work rather than traditional classroom positions.
How can I get hired as a special education teacher in Arizona with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying as a special education paraprofessional or instructional aide at a large Arizona district such as Mesa Unified or Chandler Unified, where you gain direct classroom experience while pursuing certification. Many Arizona districts offer structured support for candidates completing an alternative pathway through the Arizona Department of Education's Structured English Immersion or intern certificate programs. Building a portfolio of IEP participation and assistive technology experience during this period strengthens applications for full teaching positions.
Where can I find and apply to special education teacher jobs in Arizona?
You can find and apply to special education teacher jobs in Arizona on Migrate Mate, which lists current Arizona openings from school districts, charter networks, and educational agencies across the state. Find the roles that fit your certification level and specialty area, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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