Job Description:

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

Full-time

Base Salary:

$55,386.00

Calendar:

Certified Exempt, 187 workdays

Benefits:

Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

$500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience

New Hire Education:

$65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max, MA +60 hours max $1000 for advanced degrees

Job Summary:

The AZELLA K-12 Content Specialist supports the effective implementation and oversight of the district’s English language programs in alignment with state and federal expectations including management of AZELLA (Arizona English Language Learner Assessment) testing responsibilities and requirements  as the AZELLA District Test Coordinator (DTC), the K-12 Content Specialist will be responsible for all of the AZELLA Assessment administrations including the year-round AZELLA Placement Test and the annual Spring Reassessment Test.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Support and model effective instruction, instructional planning, assessment practices, and programming for English language learners
• Collaborate with and supports school to effectively implement their SEI model
• Collaborate with school and district personnel to understand and act upon AZELLA data including modifications to instruction, assessment, and programming
• Coordinate district-wide AZELLA assessment testing including facilitating professional learning, ensuring proper management of test materials, monitoring test administration, and ensuring adherence to applicable district, state, and federal requirements
• Collaborate with district and school site staff to evaluate and improve AZELLA assessment practices
• Analyze, synthesize, and report EL performance data including AZELLA results to report for a variety of district stakeholders
• Establish positive and appropriate relationships with school and district staff
• Maintain open, timely, and accurate communication with administration, teachers, and support staff
• Model and communicate an expectation of success for all students
• Stay current with state and federal regulations related to English learner programs
• Establishes relationships with state and professional organizations
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools.

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary. 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field
• Master’s degree (Preferred) in curriculum and instruction, instructional design, educational leadership or related field
• Valid AZ Teaching certificate with ESL, BLE, or SEI endorsement

Experience:

• 3–5 years of classroom teaching experience
• Experience working with K-12 English Learners (ELs)
• Experience serving in a leadership role (e.g., team lead, department head)

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate.
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.
• Designs, facilitates, and models impactful professional learning for adult learners.
• Understands and models effective instructional and assessments practices for ELs
• Communicates effectively, both in writing and speaking, including strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Analyzes, evaluates, and presents data effectively to a variety of audiences.
• Exhibits strong leadership with the ability to inspire, motivate, and align teams.
• Engages in productive, professional relationships with students, teachers, administrators, parents and the community.
• Implements effective organizational techniques and decision-making skills to successfully manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and complete complex tasks.
• Engages in self-reflection and continuous professional learning to stay current with the evolving educational landscape.
• Embraces ambiguity and showcases a willingness to accept change.
• Implements effective use of technology tools (including AI) to increase productivity, efficiency, and collaboration.
• Demonstrates effective collaboration with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Brings a strong work ethic, initiative, and commitment to service excellence. 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting. 

• Primarily works in an office or professional environment, at the district and school sites.
• Involves facilitating workshops, meetings, and professional learning sessions
• May require occasional evening or weekend work for events, training sessions, or district-wide meetings
• Extended periods of standing while facilitating professional development sessions or observing classroom instruction
• Ability to move frequently between classrooms, schools, and meeting venues
• Occasionally lifting and carrying materials, equipment, or technology, typically under 25 pounds

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:  

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Position Type:Full-Time
Salary:$55,386 Per Year