CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) Instructor (.4 FTE)

• Forbes named 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:

Part-time

Base Salary:

$55,886.00 (for 1.0 FTE)

Calendar:

Certified Exempt, 187 workdays

Benefits:

Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

$500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience

New Hire Education:

$65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max, MA +60 hours max $1000 for advanced degrees

Job Summary:

The CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) Instructor facilitates project-based, career-connected learning experiences that provide students with an alternative to traditional internships while maintaining high-quality work-based learning outcomes. The instructor serves as both a classroom teacher and business partnership coordinator, connecting students with industry professionals and authentic workplace challenges.

Students enrolled in the CAPS program work collaboratively to solve real-world problems presented by local business and industry partners. The instructor develops and maintains employer relationships, coordinates student projects, facilitates professional skill development, and supports student presentations and deliverables.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

Instruction and Student Support

• Teach CAPS courses serving students from multiple district high schools.
• Facilitate project-based learning experiences aligned with Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and industry needs.
• Guide students through research, development, and presentation of solutions to authentic business challenges.
• Develop students' professional skills, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
• Monitor student progress and assess student performance using district and program standards.
• Foster a professional learning environment that reflects workplace expectations.
• Support students in career exploration and post-secondary planning.

Business and Community Partnership Development

• Recruit, develop, and maintain partnerships with business and industry organizations.
• Identify industry partners willing to provide authentic projects, site visits, guest speakers, and mentorship opportunities.
• Coordinate project timelines, expectations, and deliverables between students and business partners.
• Facilitate communication between participating schools, students, employers, and district staff.
• Organize industry site visits and other work-based learning experiences.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the CAPS program and participating business partners.

Program Coordination

• Collaborate with district CTE staff, counselors, internship coordinators, and school administrators to identify and recruit students.
• Assist with student placement into CAPS as an alternative work-based learning option when traditional internships are unavailable.
• Maintain required program documentation, student records, and partnership agreements.
• Collect and analyze program data to evaluate effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
• Promote the CAPS program to students, families, schools, and community stakeholders.
• Transport students to and from approved work-based learning experiences, internships, job shadows, employer visits, and other career-connected learning activities throughout the Valley.
• Safely operate District vehicles in accordance with District policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

Required Qualifications:

• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate.
• Career and Technical Education teaching certification or ability to obtain appropriate certification.
• Experience in project-based learning, career-connected learning, work-based learning, or internship coordination preferred.
• Experience collaborating with business and community partners is preferred.
• Valid Arizona driver''s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the Valley and transport students as required by the position.
• Must obtain and maintain Mesa Public Schools van driver certification, including required vision screening and training. Certification and training are provided by the District.

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
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, including educators, industry professionals, and administrators. Must be able to facilitate productive partnerships and work towards common goals.
• Strong organizational and time management skills are necessary for managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and projects simultaneously. Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively are critical.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing circumstances and evolving program needs. Must be able to innovate and adjust strategies as required to meet program objectives.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with educational technology tools and platforms used for curriculum development and program management.
• A genuine passion for student success and a commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences that prepare students for success in their chosen careers.
• Strong commitment to continuous improvement supporting the Mesa Public Schools Promise and strategic goals.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Traditional setup with desks, whiteboards, and digital tools like projectors or interactive televisions
• Engaging with diverse students, managing classroom behavior, and addressing learning differences
• Teachers often spend long hours standing and walking around the classroom or school premises
• May need to lift books, teaching materials, and classroom supplies (usually under 20 pounds but sometimes more)

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.