Exceptional Student Services in Arizona

In support of the ultimate goal of Great Hearts, the guiding principle and mission of Exceptional Student Services (ESS) in Arizona is to foster of our students’ perseverance through introspection and courage. The Exceptional Student Services teams at each of our 25 academies in Arizona support students across all instructional settings. General Education and Exceptional Student Services faculty members work collaboratively to modify and adapt the Great Hearts core curriculum to serve the needs of students with disabilities. This model offers a framework, as well as autonomy, to the Special Education professional.

Exceptional Student Services Roles:

ESS Academy Lead 

  • Oversees the development of IEP’s and the evaluation/eligibility process, including caseload distribution, report content, and meeting facilitation, etc.
  • Case Management: Supports the development of IEP’s and provides/oversees student services
  • May deliver specially-designed instruction
  • Valid Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate required

ESS Coordinator/Teacher

  • Delivers specially designed instruction
  • Case Management: Supports the development of IEP’s and provides/oversees student services
  • Valid Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate required

ESS Teacher-in-Residence/Post-Baccalaureate Program

  • Full-time teaching role while earning Special Education teaching certification through required coursework at Rio Salado College.
  • May be responsible for case management
  • Bachelor’s degree required; certification in progress

ESS Interventionist

  • Full-time teaching intervention role providing specially designed instruction under the supervision of a certified special education teacher
  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • Demonstrated content knowledge in areas of intervention preferred

ESS Assistant

  • Supports the Special Education students in all settings on campus under the direction of and in collaboration with the General Education and certified Special Education teachers.
  • Associate’s Degree preferred

Other roles within Great Hearts Student Support Services:

As much as possible, Great Hearts employs all related service providers, or if not, utilizes consistent providers to ensure a stable presence for scholars receiving services. In addition, Great Hearts prioritizes full-time roles on our campuses for the following: