TEACHER, SECONDARY SPECIAL EDUCATION - MODERATE NEEDS, 9TH-12TH GRADE, TEMPORARY

This is a temporary one-year position for the 2026-2027 school year only.

About the Role

Special Education (SPED) Teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes individualized lesson plans in all subject areas, providing for direct instruction while maintaining a focus on District standards and benchmarks.
• Administers and interprets both formal and informal individualized educational assessments.
• Monitors, supervises, coordinates, and enforces rule of conduct and behavior of assigned students; reinforces positive student behaviors in accordance with school and District policy.
• Prepares lesson plans and materials according to curriculum guidelines, adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests; establishes and communicates to students clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects; and instructs students individually and in groups using various teaching methods.
• Provides daily living (e.g. toileting, diapering, feeding, personal hygiene) following universal precautions and as trained and directed; operates, monitors, and performs maintenance of adaptive technology and equipment; and lifts and transports students using appropriate equipment and lifting technique.
• May participate in extra-duty activities as outlined in the teachers' collective bargaining agreement (e.g., coaching, tutoring, or summer programs).

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field (required). A Master's Degree is only required for Concurrent Enrollment positions.
• Have a valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) teaching license. Click here for additional information regarding specific requirements and qualifications for the various subject areas (DPS does accept a CDE Application Receipt for 90 days).
• Experience working with young special needs students and their parents (preferred).
• Experience working with young special needs children who represent the diversity of the District school community (preferred).
• Commitment to lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high-quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, with or without accommodations.

Benefits

In addition to competitive compensation, DPS offers:

• Total Reward offerings such as time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.
• Competitive Teacher Compensation and ProComp Incentive plan. View the DCTA Teacher and SSP Salary Schedule and more information on compensation.

Note: You must submit all relevant documentation via onboarding before the deadline (15 days after receiving your offer letter) for salary-setting purposes.