Special Education (Mild/Moderate) Teacher

About Us

The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) serves 5,600 students across 14 schools in the culturally vibrant and naturally stunning Roaring Fork Valley, including the communities of Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, and Basalt. We believe teachers are our most important asset, offering true teacher voice in decision-making, clear and collaborative leadership, small class sizes, a highly competitive and progressive salary schedule, access to an affordable housing program, and a culture of self-care and well-being. Diversity is a strength in our district, as our staff supports students from diverse ethnicities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds.

About the Role

A high school special education teacher specializing in mild to moderate disabilities supports students with learning challenges that impact their academic progress but do not require intensive interventions. These students may have conditions such as mild intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other developmental and cognitive differences. This role requires a teacher who is patient, empathetic, and highly creative in developing individualized strategies to address each student's unique needs. The teacher provides tailored academic, social, and emotional support to help students thrive and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver lessons tailored to the needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities.
• Modify general education curriculum to meet the academic, behavioral, and social needs of students.
• Provide individualized support and accommodations to help students access the curriculum.
• Use various instructional strategies, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and technology, to enhance learning.
• Regularly assess students' academic progress and adapt instruction based on assessment data.
• Collaborate with other educators and specialists to evaluate student performance.
• Maintain records of student progress and modify IEP (Individualized Education Plan) goals as necessary.
• Implement strategies for behavior management to help students develop appropriate social and emotional skills.
• Work with students on developing self-regulation and coping strategies.
• Support students with behavior challenges by providing positive reinforcement and structured routines.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to integrate students into mainstream classes when appropriate.
• Work with other specialists, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and school counselors, to provide comprehensive support.
• Communicate with parents and caregivers regularly to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies for support.
• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs for students in collaboration with the IEP team (parents, specialists, administrators).
• Participate in IEP meetings, providing insights into student progress and advocating for the best accommodations and services for students.
• Provide emotional and academic support to help students build self-esteem and succeed.
• Advocate for the needs of students within the school environment and support inclusion efforts.
• Foster a positive classroom culture where all students feel valued and encouraged to participate.

Requirements

• Experience working with students with mild to moderate disabilities, either through student teaching, internships, or prior positions.
• Ability to practice patience, adaptability, communication, empathy, classroom management, and collaboration.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Active Colorado teacher license, authorization, or the ability to obtain.
• Special Education Generalist (ages 5-21) endorsement, or ability to obtain.
• Completion of the READ ACT Training.
• Official transcripts must be provided upon hire. For international transcripts, an evaluation is required through a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Visa candidates: An initial (3-year) license is the minimum requirement for employment offers.

Skills

• Patience and empathy in working with students with diverse learning needs.
• Creativity in developing individualized instructional strategies.
• Strong communication and collaboration with educators, specialists, and families.
• Effective classroom management and behavior support techniques.
• Ability to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Benefits

• Full district-paid employee health benefits, including medical, life, voluntary vision, dental, and dependent coverage.
• Paid leave and enrollment in CO PERA (pension plan) with district contribution.
• TSA (Tax-Sheltered Annuity) options.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and supplemental insurance.
• Highly reduced and payroll-deducted ski passes.
• Employee referral program.

Pay

Salary range: $54,000 to $83,500, based on education and years of relevant teaching experience. The salary is prorated for positions with less than a full FTE or reduced hours, such as part-time or late-start positions. Credentialed teaching experience outside the District or U.S. may be considered in salary placement.

Schedule

Full-time (1.0 FTE / 40 hours per week) position with a contract period of 185 working days.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Bending, stooping, and lifting materials.
• Reaching for supplies on high shelves.
• Manual dexterity for tasks like writing and using technology.
• Clear and effective communication with students.
• Climbing stairs in multi-level buildings.