Apprentice Teacher

Job Classification Title: Apprentice Teacher

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt  

Pay Grade: Approved Classifed Compensation Plan (Education and Experience)

Reports To: Principal

Program: Arizona Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program (AZTRAP)

OVERVIEW

The Apprentice Teacher is a classified position for aspiring educators who are concurrently enrolled in an Arizona State Board of Education (AZSB) approved Teacher Preparation Program. Under the supervision of a Principal and the day-to-day mentorship of an assigned certificated teacher, the Apprentice Teacher supports instruction, student engagement, and classroom management while developing the professional skills necessary for a future teaching career. The Apprentice Teacher is not the teacher of record and does not assume sole responsibility for a classroom.

Employees in this role are expected to model the attributes of the MUSD Portrait of a Graduate - as both an aspiration for our students and a standard for our staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

Classroom & Instructional Support

• Assist the mentor teacher in preparing instructional materials, organizing the classroom, and delivering lessons aligned to district curriculum and standards.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group support to students under the direction of the mentor teacher.
• Support student engagement during transitions, independent work, and classroom activities.
• Assist with administering assessments and grading assignments in accordance with teacher direction and district guidelines.
• Collaborate with the mentor teacher on lesson planning to ensure alignment with curriculum goals and individual student needs.

Student Supervision & Support

• Supervise students during lunch, recess, passing periods, and before and after school as assigned.
• Monitor student behavior and support a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom and campus environment.
• Provide personal assistance to students as needed, which may include hygiene, feeding, toileting, or physical support.
• Translate materials and communicate with parents, students, and staff as applicable.

Professional Practice & Growth

• Actively participate in all required professional development, training, and apprenticeship program requirements.
• Maintain accurate records including attendance, student progress notes, and required program documentation.
• Collaborate professionally with teachers, support staff, and administrators as part of the school team.
• Reflect on practice and incorporate feedback from the mentor teacher and principal to continuously improve.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as attendance recording, record-keeping, and organizing student portfolios and progress documentation.

MUSD PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE - STAFF EXPECTATIONS

All MUSD employees are expected to model the attributes we cultivate in our students. As an Apprentice Teacher, the employee is among the most visible role models on our campuses.

Communicator - Express ideas clearly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues. Listen actively, give and receive feedback respectfully, and adapt their communication style for different audiences.

Innovator - Bring creativity and fresh thinking to classroom support and student engagement. Embrace new instructional strategies, use technology purposefully, and approach challenges as opportunities to grow.

Resilient Achiever - Show up consistently, follow through on commitments, and maintain a positive attitude even when the work is demanding. Demonstrate perseverance in their professional preparation and their support of students.

Critical Thinker - Observe and analyze student needs thoughtfully, ask meaningful questions, and use data and feedback to inform their practice. Exercise sound judgment in their interactions with students and colleagues.

Principled Leader - Act with integrity in all situations. Model fairness, kindness, and inclusive behavior. Take initiative to contribute positively to their school community and serve as a trustworthy advocate for every student.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Understanding of student development and the varying educational and social-emotional needs of students at different ages and ability levels.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn MUSD policies, regulations, and procedures as well as applicable state and federal requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, professional working relationships with students, colleagues, and administrators.
• Proficiency with or ability to learn Microsoft Office and relevant educational technology platforms.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities reliably.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, student-centered environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Required - PRAXIS, Master Teacher, or Work Keys test accepted, or Associate's degree, or, 60 college credits.
• Enrollment in an AZSB-approved Teacher Preparation Program at Central Arizona College. Must be maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation: vision corrected to 20/20; hearing and speech sufficient to give clear directions; ability to walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, lift and carry up to 50 lbs, and push or move objects up to 125 lbs.
• IVP Fingerprint clearance card

Preferred

• Some coursework in education, child development, or a related field.
• Prior experience working with children in an educational, childcare, or community setting.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

OTHER POSITION INFORMATION

Hours are aligned to the assigned school site schedule. This position is contingent upon continued enrollment and passing grades in an approved Teacher Preparation Program; failure to maintain enrollment may result in separation. Placement and continuation for subsequent school years will be based on program requirements, district need, and satisfactory performance evaluation. This position may involve personal assistance with student hygiene, feeding, toileting, and lifting.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Maricopa Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age or sexual orientation in admission and access to its programs, services, activities, or in any aspect of their operations and provides equal access to Scouting America and other designated youth groups. The Maricopa Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. The following employees have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:

Title IX Coordinator

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources:

Address: 44150 W. Maricopa/Casa Grande Highway Maricopa, AZ 85138

Telephone Number: 520-568-5100

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Director of Exceptional Student Services

Address: 44150 W. Maricopa/Casa Grande Highway Maricopa, AZ 85138

Telephone Number: 520-568-5100

Job descriptions and documentation requirements can be accessed and printed from our website at www.musd20.org