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2026/2027 District-Wide Significant Support Needs Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten through Ag

Durango School District 9-R · Durango, CO · 1 mo ago
EducationFull-time

Durango School District is accepting applications for a District-Wide Significant Support Needs Special Education Teacher serving students from Kindergarten through Age 21 for the 2026/2027 school year. Teachers in this role may serve at any school site within the district, including Durango High School, Escalante Middle School, Miller Middle School, elementary schools, and/or the Pathways program for 18-21 year old students. Assignments are based on caseload and management needs as determined by the Student Support Services Department and school principal. The position includes a $10,000 hard-to-fill stipend and participation in the Extended School Year Program (10 additional compensated days). Employee workforce housing options are available for the 2026/2027 school year.

About the Role

This position focuses on developing accommodations, curriculum modifications, and standards-aligned IEPs while ensuring their implementation. Teachers collaborate with general education staff to deliver specialized instruction and assessment aligned with district and state standards. The role involves supervising students, maintaining a positive learning environment, and actively monitoring student progress. Teachers predominantly serve students in Life Skills, Alternative Education (AE), and Significant Needs Programming areas.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with the IEP Team, monitor goals, and maintain communication with families and team members.
  • Work with school administration, counseling teams, and service providers to develop student schedules based on caseload needs.
  • Use case management strategies to support student outcomes aligned with adopted curricula and grade-level expectations.
  • Collaborate with general education teachers to modify and tailor curriculum to address individual student differences, learning styles, and abilities.
  • Train and support assigned paraprofessionals, including developing schedules for their assistance in the school setting.
  • Utilize formative and summative assessments to evaluate student learning, achievement, and performance, reporting results as required by district policy.
  • Model and promote character education, including citizenship, bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and responsible work habits.
  • Provide safety instruction and ensure adherence to safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment.
  • Maintain an orderly, positive learning environment through proactive classroom management and enforcement of the Student Conduct Code.
  • Supervise students to minimize disruptive behavior and potential accidents.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with families to share information about the student's educational program and improve home-school relationships.
  • Develop behavior support plans, health plans, safety plans, and/or crisis plans as determined by the IEP Team.
  • Assist students with daily routines, including mobility, personal hygiene, feeding, medical needs (e.g., trach, feeding tubes, catheterization), and diapering when necessary.
  • Abide by all applicable federal and Colorado laws, Board of Education policies, district regulations, and school procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned, including ensuring student safety and welfare, submitting required reports promptly, and using district internet and email systems as specified.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited university.
  • Experience as a Special Education Teacher.
  • Colorado Teaching License with endorsements for the levels and subject areas taught.
  • Pass the PLACE or PRAXIS II Test.
  • Meet Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements for In-Field Teacher.
  • Completion of CPI training may be required depending on assignment.

Skills

  • Excellent interpersonal relations and oral/written communication skills.
  • Strong understanding of the IEP writing process, including standards alignment.
  • Ability to develop and implement progress monitoring tools to assess student progress.
  • Strong decision-making, analytical, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work with students with diverse needs at various levels.
  • Knowledge of content areas, literacy and numeracy intervention programs, teaching methods, learning styles, and educational research related to learners with special needs.
  • Ability to develop and implement accommodations and modifications to facilitate student mastery of Colorado Academic Standards.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
  • Ability to promote and follow Board and District policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team setting.

Benefits

  • $10,000 hard-to-fill stipend.
  • Compensation for 10 additional days during the Extended School Year Program at the daily rate.
  • Employee workforce housing options available for the 2026/2027 school year.

Schedule

10-month position (191 days), including 10 days of Extended School Year Programming. Position begins August 17, 2026.

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