Associate Teacher - (Paid Contracted Residency) Spring 2027

Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.

East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Base Salary:

$10,374 per semester with Arizona State Retirement

Calendar:

Exempt

Benefits:

None

Performance Pay:

Not eligible

Job Summary:

Associate Teachers are student teachers in paid roles throughout Mesa Public Schools. Associate Teachers actively work with teamed colleagues, student groups and a Lead/Mentor teacher to build a repertoire of research-based knowledge and effective teaching practices. Associate Teachers support the MPS Promise by fostering students’ academic, behavioral, social, and emotional growth as they prepare for college, career, and community.

Candidates must have a valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Key Responsibilities:

Receive observations with written feedback per the syllabus from the MPS Building Principal

Work in conjunction with team members daily to co-plan, co-teach and assess student progress toward state academic standards

Attend regular coaching support and feedback sessions with the Lead/Mentor Teacher on topics that include lesson plans, model planning, instruction, assessment, behavior management, and parent engagement strategies

Maintain clear and open communication with campus and community stakeholders

Support students’ skill development as aligned to the MPS Portrait of a Graduate

Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program at a college or university and completing an internship or practicum

Fulfilling higher education coursework requirements before, during, and/or after the paid residency

Will work five school days per week, 8 hours per day starting:

January 4, 2027 and ending on May 28, 2027 for Spring Semester (97 work days)

Skills & Competencies:

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

Review progress reports as outlined in the residency handbook and as completed by the Lead/Mentor Teacher

Demonstrate strong time-management skills with the preparation and completion of assigned team and campus tasks in accordance with assigned due dates

Reflect upon and implement coaching feedback received and actively seek continuous professional growth as an educator

Observe and reflect on other teachers’ classroom-based methods as they model high-quality instruction, assessment, and behavior management practices, as arranged by campus leaders

Exhibit exemplary punctuality and attendance by missing no more than three workdays, with appropriate coverage and communication if an absence occurs

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work primarily in classrooms, labs, or educational spaces

Interactions with students, teachers, other staff members and sometimes parents/guardians

Participation in staff meetings, planning sessions, or teacher training

Standing or walking for extended periods while teaching or supervising students

Writing, typing, and operating classroom equipment like whiteboards, computers, and projectors

Bending, crouching, or reaching to assist students; ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

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.

Job Contact Name:

Dana Yursi

Title:

Pathways Coordinator

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

(480) 472-0463

Applications Accepted:

Start Date:

10/02/2026

End Date:

12/04/2026