Special Education Teacher

University of Denver; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 62,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Relocation stipend

Job summary

DSST Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Teacher (Mild/Moderate) for middle and high school. The role emphasizes leading IEP case management, delivering rigorous content, and coordinating accommodations within MTSS.

This in-person position supports diverse learners and collaborates with general education partners to foster inclusive learning environments. The ideal candidate holds a Colorado teaching license with a Special Education endorsement, and is committed to professional growth

Qualifications

• Experience as an IEP case manager with data-driven IEPs and progress monitoring.
• Ability to implement accommodations and modifications with MTSS framework.
• Experience supervising paraprofessionals 1:1 support, when assigned.

Responsibilities

• Be an IEP Case Manager: manage a portfolio of students, write data-driven IEPs, monitor progress, and celebrate student growth with teams.
• Ensure Students Receive Accommodations/Modifications by partnering with general education teachers and MTSS teams.
• Manage a Support Team by supervising paraprofessionals as 1:1 support per IEP.
• Deliver Rigorous & Engaging Content using DSST curriculum in co-taught settings.
• Track and Support Student Growth by monitoring performance using various assessment tools.
• Promote Positive Culture and honor students’ cultural identities in class and school culture.
• Pursue Professional Development with focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Contribute to School Community through recruitment and after-school tutoring and other duties.

Skills

IEP Case Management

Collaborative teamwork

Data-driven decisions

Culturally responsive teaching

Education

Colorado teaching license

Colorado Special Education Endorsement

Job description

POSITION: Special Education Teacher (Mild/Moderate Setting)

GRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both middle school and high school positions

LOCATION: Hiring at multiple locations. You can view the current openings at this link. We encourage you to apply even if your preferred position is not listed as we will be posting new roles throughout the year.

SALARY: $62,000-$80,000 based on years of aligned experience up to 10 years and a $2,500 signing bonus for those with a Colorado Special Education endorsement. We also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver!

STATUS: Full time school year, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position

START: First day of new SpEd Teacher staff training will be at the end of July. You can view the current School Year Calendar here.

THE ROLE

Our Mild/Moderate Special Education Teachers are leaders who play an integral role in ensuring that students with disabilities are welcomed, known, and challenged to achieve their most ambitious post-secondary path. Learn more about a Day in the Life of a Special Education Teacher and why you should choose to grow your career at DSST here.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be an IEP Case Manager: Serve as case manager to a portfolio of students; completing tasks such as writing data driven IEPs, developing goals, monitoring progress, delivering targeted academic & behavioral interventions, and celebrating success with each student’s team of teachers and family along the way.
• Ensure Students Receive Accommodations/Modifications: Partner with general education teachers to appropriately implement accommodations and modifications with intentionality and consistency. Advocate for and champion all diverse learners in the school by participating on the MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) Team.
• Manage a Support Team: Based on a student’s services in their IEP, you may also supervise and develop paraprofessionals that serve as 1:1 support for that student.
• Deliver Rigorous & Engaging Content: In partnership with your general education teaching partner(s), utilize DSST’s curriculum resources to plan, intellectually prepare, and teach rigorous, culturally responsive, and grade level aligned content in co-taught/push-in settings.
• Track and Support Student Growth: Prioritize students’ intellectual growth by holding high expectations for academic success including monitoring and assessing the performance of all students through a variety of assessment tools and resources to guide instruction and support individual student proficiency.
• Promote Positive Culture: Employ DSST culture and support systems while validating students’ cultural identities. Actively promote a unified and positive classroom and school culture. Cultivate and maintain trusting relationships with students and families.
• Pursue Professional Development: Engage in professional growth opportunities, including regular coaching, feedback, and development, with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Contribute to School Community: Undertake additional duties as needed, such as supporting student recruitment, after school tutoring, etc. Explore more potential duties here.

THE PERSON

We value staff with diverse backgrounds, talents, and ideas. Our most successful employees share the following characteristics:

• An unwavering belief that all students can succeed in school and reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals.
• A proactive approach to learning and growth, welcoming feedback to enhance your teaching practice.

Qualifications:

If you are passionate about working with students with disabilities and you don’t currently have a teaching credential or have a teaching credential and would like to obtain your SpEd endorsement, we’d love to connect with you! Please email [e-mail].

• Minimum: Has both a teaching license and a special education endorsement. You can read more about obtaining a Colorado Special Education Endorsement here. We recommend reaching out to CDE directly for information on transferring your out of state credentials.
• Ideal: Proven commitment to and experience with serving students of color, students with disabilities, and/or multilingual students. Experience in teaching and implementing positive behavior supports to facilitate learning in the areas of academic, communication, executive functioning, behavioral, and social-emotional regulation.

Application Timeline

This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.

For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024-25 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people

Why Work at DSST?

At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.

DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.