District-Wide Significant Support Needs Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten through Age 21, 1.0

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. Position begins August 17, 2026 or as soon as possible.

About the Role

Teachers in this role may serve at any school site within the district in grades K-12 and/or in the Pathways program with 18-21 year old students. Assignments are based on caseload and management needs as determined by the Student Support Services Department in conjunction with the school principal. Possible school sites include Durango High School, Escalante Middle School, Miller Middle School, the Pathways Program, and/or an elementary school if needed. Teachers will predominantly serve students in the Life Skills, Accessible Education (AE), and Significant Needs Programming areas.

This position includes a $10,000 hard-to-fill stipend and an $1,800 one-time bonus for the 2026/2027 school year, pro-rated for late starts. Teachers also serve an additional ten (10) days during the summer Extended School Year Program and are compensated for those days at their daily rate. Employee workforce housing options are available for the 2026/2027 school year.

Responsibilities

• Develop accommodations and curriculum modifications, standards-aligned IEPs, and ensure fidelity of their implementation.
• Collaborate with general education staff to plan and deliver specialized instruction and assessment aligned with District learner outcomes and State achievement standards.
• Supervise assigned students and maintain a positive learning environment.
• Actively progress monitor student goals and work with general education staff to adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs.
• Work with the IEP Team to develop and implement students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Monitor IEP goals and outcomes, maintaining communication with families and the IEP Team regarding progress.
• Develop student schedules in collaboration with the school administrative and counseling team, as well as designated service providers.
• Use case management strategies to support student outcomes based on adopted curricula for assigned grades and subjects.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to modify and tailor the curriculum to address individual student differences, learning styles, and abilities.
• Train and support assigned paraprofessionals, including developing their schedules to assist students as needed.
• 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, responsible behavior, bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and work ethics.
• Provide safety instruction for students when activities or materials pose potential harm, ensuring adherence to safety requirements.
• Maintain an orderly, positive learning environment using proactive classroom management strategies and enforcing the Student Conduct Code.
• Supervise students to minimize disruptive behavior and potential accidents.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with families to share information about the student's educational program and improve home-school collaboration.
• Develop and promote positive relations among the school community, including parents, staff, administration, and other community members.
• Develop behavior support plans, health plans, safety plans, and/or crisis plans with the IEP Team when necessary.
• Assist students with daily routines, including transportation, toileting, diapering, feeding, medical needs, and personal hygiene (e.g., working with trach, feeding tubes, and catheterization).
• Abide by all applicable Federal and Colorado laws, Board of Education policies, District Regulations, and school procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related subject from an accredited university.
• Experience as a Special Education Teacher.
• Colorado Teaching License with endorsements for the levels and subject areas teaching.
• Pass the PLACE or PRAXIS II Test.
• Meet CDE and ESSA requirements for In-Field Teacher.
• May be required to complete CPI training depending on assignment.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal relations and oral/written communication skills.
• Effective understanding of the IEP writing process, including standards alignment.
• Ability to develop and implement appropriate 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.
• Ability to develop and implement accommodations and modifications that facilitate student mastery of the 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, Superintendent policies, and building/department procedures.
• Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively in a team setting.
• Strong knowledge of content areas, literacy and numeracy intervention programs, teaching methods, learning styles, and educational research related to learners with all types of special needs.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, and practice safe work habits.
• Operating knowledge of microcomputers, general office equipment, IEP software, Microsoft Office applications, and Student Information Systems.

Schedule

Typical work year is 10 months (191 days), including 10 days of Extended School Year Programming.

Pay

Position follows the Licensed Compensation System pay grade. Includes a $10,000 hard-to-fill stipend and an $1,800 one-time bonus for the 2026/2027 school year, pro-rated for late starts. Additional compensation for the 10-day Extended School Year Program at the daily rate.

Benefits

Durango School District employee workforce housing options are available for the 2026/2027 school year.