Special Education Teacher - Morgridge Academy

Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Health is seeking a Special Education Teacher to support students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade in a specialized, health-focused learning environment. This role delivers individualized, rigorous instruction to students with chronic illnesses, integrating academic, medical, and social-emotional support.

About the role

Teachers will provide an environment that nurtures the individual medical, educational, emotional, and physical needs of children diagnosed with chronic illness through rigorous, innovative, and authentic experiences. Staff and students work together to solve meaningful problems through collaboration and innovation, create products to share with family and community, advocate for themselves and others, and become responsible, self-directed, and curious learners.

Responsibilities

• Instruct students in all areas of academics, providing individualized instruction as needed and in compliance with all special education mandates.
• Implement the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model in conjunction with the PBL coach and other staff.
• Plan and implement rigorous, authentic, and innovative lessons.
• Assess student performance and provide meaningful feedback.
• Collaborate with the special education coordinator to write and implement quality IEPs.
• Maintain academic records and meet deadlines.
• Support the mental health needs of students in conjunction with the school counselor and other staff.
• Monitor and evaluate the physical condition of children.
• Build deep relationships with families.
• Supervise volunteers, educational assistants, interns, or student teachers as needed.
• Attend professional development, daytime meetings, and after-school/evening meetings or events as necessary.
• Assist with the supervision of students before school, during lunch, between classes, and/or dismissal.
• Serve as back-up to staff absences as necessary.
• Maintain student confidentiality and other confidential information obtained during the performance of duties.
• Collaborate with other staff to maintain the school garden.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as needed.
• Participate in Quality Assessment (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI) programs.
• Ensure compliance with The Joint Commission and all other federal, state, and regulatory agencies.
• Respond promptly and sincerely to customer needs, requests, and concerns.
• Maintain positive working relationships through problem-solving and teamwork.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Special Education, or a related field with Teacher Certification in Education or Special Education.
• Master’s degree in Elementary Education or Special Education (with a mild-moderate or affective needs endorsement) preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in elementary education and/or special education.
• Experience with chronically ill children preferred.
• Colorado teaching certification/licensure in elementary education and/or special education K-8 or K-12 as appropriate to grade/class assignment.

Skills

• Accountability: Accepts full responsibility for self and contributions as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly.
• Impact and Influence: Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifies behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals; works with employees within and across departments to achieve shared goals.
• Creativity and Innovation: Applies creative problem-solving skills to develop solutions; generates innovative ideas and implements them effectively.
• Student Relations: Meets student and patient needs; takes responsibility for student safety, satisfaction, and educational outcomes.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage through multiple Cigna health plans, including options for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals for vacation and sick days, plus six paid holidays.
• Dental and vision plans effective the first of the month after hire.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer contributions after two years.
• Wellness incentives: Earn up to $200 annually for preventive health activities.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time employees.
• Childcare Flex Spending Account (FSA) with annual employer contribution.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• Employer-paid disability and life insurance, with optional buy-up choices.
• Voluntary benefits including accident, hospital indemnity, and legal plans.
• Exclusive discounts on local services, insurance, and RTD bus passes.

Pay

$68,000 - $80,000 annually.