Employment
Opportunities
Employment
Opportunities
Special Education Teacher
Full Job Description and Responsibilities
Start Date: July 6, 2026
J. Paul Taylor Academy (JPTA), a state-authorized Title I charter school, seeks an energetic, experienced, and student-centered .8 FTE to full-time Special Education Teacher beginning July 6 2026. This position is posted until filled.
JPTA serves grades K-8 and delivers a mission-distinct educational program grounded in:
Project-Based Learning (PBL) that builds academic mastery through interdisciplinary, inquiry-driven, real-world projects
Conversational Spanish instruction that develops fluency through dialogue, storytelling, cultural exchange, and practical communication
Healthy Living practices that cultivate lifelong habits through nutrition education, movement, social-emotional balance, and community wellness
The ideal candidate combines strong IEP leadership and Tier III intervention expertise with enthusiasm for hands-on learning, language development, and whole-child well-being.
Minimum Qualifications
Possess a valid New Mexico Special Education teaching license or demonstrate eligibility for licensure prior to the start date
Teaching experience at the elementary and/or middle school level
Strong knowledge of the IEP development, compliance, and implementation process
Demonstrated understanding of Tier III intensive interventions in Title I public and/or charter school settings
Knowledge of effective instructional strategies and structured classroom management systems
High professional integrity, initiative, and ethical case management
Strong organization, documentation, and compliance practices suitable for state reporting and renewal site-visit evidence
Ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, families, administration, and community partners
Preferred Qualifications
3+ years of successful Special Education teaching or case-management experience (elementary and/or middle school)
Bilingual (English/Spanish), with experience supporting multilingual learners
Experience coordinating or managing New Mexico IEP processes or serving as a Special Education case manager
Experience designing PBL-adapted learning pathways and accommodations that maintain project rigor while ensuring equitable access
Familiarity with MLSS-aligned frameworks, Tier III progress monitoring, and data-driven intervention cycles
Demonstrated team leadership and strong collaborative skills
Experience leveraging technology for progress monitoring, IEP management, and compliance systems
Core Special Education Responsibilities
Lead the full cycle of IEP development, progress monitoring, compliance, and implementation
Deliver and monitor Tier III intensive interventions aligned to student need and IEP goals
Maintain timely, accurate, auditable documentation for state and authorizer reporting
Partner with general education teachers to ensure inclusive learning environments
Communicate proactively with families regarding progress, accommodations, and services
Salary & Benefits
Salary commensurate with licensure and experience, aligned to New Mexico public school pay scales (Pay scales are posted on the school’s website under “HR”)
Health, dental, and vision benefits available
How to Apply
Submit:
Letter of interest
Resume/CV
JPTA Application (Available on school’s website under “HR” – “Employment”)
Copy of NM teaching license or evidence of eligibility for licensure
Contact information for 3 professional references
Full Job Description and Responsibilities
Start Date: July 6, 2026
J. Paul Taylor Academy, a public charter school in Las Cruces, New Mexico, seeks a dynamic, mission-driven full-time Kindergarten Teacher to join our team beginning July 6, 2026.
Our charter is built upon three foundational pillars:
Project-Based Learning (PBL) – engaging students in authentic, inquiry-driven, hands-on learning experiences
Conversational Spanish Development – cultivating bilingual communication skills beginning in Kindergarten
Healthy Living – promoting physical wellness, nutrition awareness, outdoor activity, and lifelong healthy habits
We are committed to developing curious thinkers, confident communicators, and healthy, active learners.
The Kindergarten Teacher will design and implement developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with New Mexico state standards while fully integrating:
Inquiry-based, interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning
Daily opportunities for conversational Spanish development
Healthy living practices embedded in classroom culture and instruction
The ideal candidate believes young learners thrive through exploration, collaboration, movement, language immersion, and real-world problem solving. This teacher will foster independence, teamwork, bilingual communication, and positive wellness habits in a structured yet joyful classroom environment.
Valid New Mexico Teaching License (or eligibility to obtain licensure prior to July 6, 2026)
Experience teaching at the Kindergarten or Pre-K level
Strong foundation in early childhood development
Understanding of or willingness to implement Project-Based Learning
Commitment to developing students’ conversational Spanish skills
Commitment to promoting healthy living habits and physical activity
Effective classroom management and evidence-based instructional strategies
Strong organizational and planning skills
Demonstrated integrity, initiative, and professionalism
Ability to build strong partnerships with families and colleagues
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Three or more years of successful teaching experience at the Kindergarten or Pre-K level
Bilingual (English/Spanish) with strong conversational proficiency
Experience designing interdisciplinary PBL units
Experience integrating movement, outdoor learning, nutrition education, or wellness initiatives into instruction
Demonstrated leadership and collaborative team skills
Comfort using educational technology to enhance learning
Design engaging, standards-aligned project-based units that promote inquiry and collaboration
Integrate conversational Spanish into daily classroom interactions
Model and promote healthy lifestyle practices within the school community
Collaborate with colleagues to ensure coherence in implementation of the school’s three charter pillars
Maintain strong communication with families to support academic, bilingual, and wellness development
Participate in professional development aligned with the school’s mission
JPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class under applicable law.
How to Apply:
Click the appropriate form below for a job application and submit it with a resume and a list of at least three professional references to:
J. Paul Taylor Academy
Attn: Eric Ahner
500 N. Reymond St.
Las Cruces, NM 88005
-OR-
Email the completed application, resume, and references to:
eric.ahner@jpaultayloracademy.org
JPTA Employment Forms
JPTA Certified Employment Form
(Teacher, Admin, Ancilary and other licensed employees)
JPTA Non-Certified Employment Form
(~Classified. Ed Assistance, Substitutes, Kitchen Staff, Administrative Assistance...)