About this role
• 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
• Support students' skill development as aligned to the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
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