Empower ELA Teacher Junior High

• Position Type:
  Junior High Teaching/ Language Arts
• Date Posted: 5/13/2026
• Location:
  
  Cactus Canyon Junior High
• Date Available:
  
  07/06/2026

ELA Junior High Teacher

Apache Junction Unified School District
Cactus Canyon Junior High Full-Time, Exempt | 2026–2027 School Year Salary Range: $46,700+ (DOE)

Teach With Purpose. Empower Adolescents. Put Kids First.

Apache Junction Unified School District is seeking a dedicated, student-centered ELA Junior High Teacher who believes deeply in our Kids First mission. Junior high is a transformative stage—where students develop independence, confidence, and critical thinking—and we are looking for an educator who brings strong instructional practice, empathy, and high expectations to this pivotal age group.

This is an opportunity to join a school community committed to belonging, innovation, and academic excellence. If you are a collaborative problem solver with strong content knowledge, emotional intelligence, and a passion for guiding young adolescents through academic and personal growth, we want to meet you.

• Create a positive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment
• Deliver high-quality, standards-aligned instruction using research-based best practices
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials that meet the needs of diverse learners
• Communicate clear learning goals using organized, precise, student-friendly language
• Facilitate small- and large-group instruction that promotes engagement and critical thinking
• Integrate technology to enhance learning and support student success
• Evaluate student growth using a variety of assessments
• Maintain accurate and complete records in accordance with state, federal, and district requirements
• Communicate regularly with families to support student progress and strengthen home–school partnerships
• Participate in team reviews and intervention planning for at-risk or low-performing students
• Use site, district, and state assessment data to inform instruction and guide student placement
• Implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with fidelity
• Supervise students on campus and during school-sponsored activities
• Take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Participate in school-wide events, meetings, and professional learning
• Support school and district initiatives that promote collaboration, curiosity, and connection
• Maintain professional competence through district-provided and self-selected professional development
• Perform other duties as assigned by the district or school site

• Bachelor's degree required/ Master’s degree preferred from an accredited institution
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate (appropriate content area)
• Appropriate certification; SEI Endorsement preferred
• Strong understanding of junior high curriculum and instructional best practices
• Ability to build trust, communicate with empathy, and maintain positive relationships
• Skill in creating structured, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments
• Commitment to inclusive practices and meeting diverse learner needs
• Emotional intelligence, patience, and calm leadership in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to a team-oriented school culture
  
  Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth

$46,700 + (DOE)

Additional compensation for verified years of experience

• Doctorate (Ph.D./Ed.D.)
• Approved additional certifications or endorsements

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• 403(b) retirement savings options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• University partnerships offering discounted continuing education and advanced degrees
• Paid leave benefits and wellness support (available after one year of service)

This role requires regular communication, movement around the classroom, and the ability to stand, walk, bend, sit, and occasionally lift up to 20–50 pounds depending on task. The work environment is active, student-centered, and fast-paced. Reasonable accommodations will be…