DIRECTOR, SPECIAL EDUCATION

Denver Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 118,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off

Health and wellness benefits

PERA retirement

Job summary

Denver Public Schools seeks a system-wide leader to develop and oversee exceptional special education programs, ensuring legal and ethical district practices and equity for all students. The role directs a team of administrators, ensures identification, evaluation and placement processes, and partners with families and agencies to deliver high-quality services.

Master's degree required; Colorado licensure; significant leadership experience; salary range $117,624–$144,066 with comprehensive

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Special Education or related field.
• Doctorate preferred.
• Colorado Director of Special Education licensure must be active by time of hire.
• Three or more years of management experience in the administration of special education programs, including two or more years as a school leader or similar leadership role in education.
• Three years of teaching experience in a public school special education setting.

Responsibilities

• Implements and maintains special education programs and services for students ages 3-21, ensuring district and state/federal compliance.
• Develops system procedures for identification, evaluation and placement of students with special education needs.
• Provides leadership and representation in matters relating to due process procedural safeguards.
• Represents the school system with outside agencies and organizations involved in special education.
• Collaborates with district staff, families, special education teachers and community to plan, develop, implement, maintain and evaluate services and programs.
• Oversees recruitment, hiring, supervision and evaluation of staff; budget management and professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Special Education knowledge

Education

Master's Degree in Education, Special Education or related field

Doctorate preferred

Colorado Director of Special Education licensure

Job description

Job Description

** Applications will be received until

Job Description

** Applications will be received until October 9, 2026. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org .

About This Job

Provides system-wide leadership for the development of effective and appropriate special education programs, ensuring that all district practices are legal and ethical for each student/family so that every child has the opportunity to achieve at a high level and be prepared for post-secondary success. Leads special education administrators and team members, creating a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and learning in the development and delivery of services aligned with district goals and objectives. Supports equitable evidence-based practices and programming for academic growth and achievement, social-emotional learning, and behavior management within a multi-tiered system of support framework. As part of a values-based organization, achieves Board of Education ends and goals through our shared commitment to Students First, Integrity, Equity, Collaboration, Accountability and Fun. Plans, assigns and supervises the work performed in the areas of responsibility and ensures compliance with District policy and practices and appropriate federal, state and local rules and regulations.

• The Director must demonstrate a willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement. This role requires maintaining the highest level of confidentiality regarding all District matters, especially those involving the Superintendent, Chief of Staff, and the Board of Education. Ensuring trust and discretion is paramount to the success and integrity of this position.

What DPS Offers You

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range: $117,624- $144,066/annually. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off , health and wellness benefits , and PERA Retirement .

What You'll Do

• Implements and maintains special education programs and services for students ages 3-21, ensuring that schools and the District follow all state and federal regulations
• Develops system procedures for identification, evaluation and placement of students with special education needs
• Provides leadership and system representation in matters relating to due process procedural safeguards
• Represents the school system in dealing with outside agencies and organizations concerned with special education
• Collaborates effectively with district staff, families, special education teachers and the community for the purpose of planning, developing, implementing, maintaining and evaluating educational services and/or programs
• Oversees operational functions, including the recruitment, hiring, supervision and evaluation of staff; professional development; budget management; compliance monitoring
• Facilitates meetings and processes for the purpose of implementing and maintaining district special education programs and services that achieve desired objectives
• Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities for the purpose of managing an excellent special education program; incorporates policies and procedures in accordance with laws and regulations

What You’ll Need

• Master's Degree in Education, Special Education or related field required
• Doctorate preferred
• Three or more years of management experience in the administration of special education programs to include two (2) or more years as a school leader or similar leadership role in education required
• Three (3) years of teaching experience in a public school special education setting required
• Three (3) years of management responsibility experience required
• Colorado Director of Special Education licensure must be active by time of hire
• 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.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

With 193 schools, over 89,000 students and over 10,000 staff members, Denver Public Schools is the largest urban school district in Colorado. We’re focused on building a system that’s designed to help every student thrive. We’re re-focusing our efforts where they matter most: on creating classrooms that are vibrant centers of learning, where caring teachers are engaging their students in rigorous, culturally responsive experiences in order to lift all students toward a bright horizon. Visit the Denver Public Schools website for more information.