Special Education Teacher ASPIRE Licensure Pathways (2026-2027)[Immediate Start]

DSST Public Schools; Evergreen (CO); On-site; USD 62,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Tuition assistance

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

DSST Public Schools is actively seeking Special Education Teachers across our network. This role offers pathways to licensure while you work full-time and earn a salary with comprehensive benefits.

You will teach full-time, receive coaching, and have access to licensure programs such as ASPIRE or Alternative Licensure. DSST provides relocation support and a clear path for career growth in education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any field is required.
• Able to meet Colorado licensure requirements.
• Belief that all students can succeed; growth mindset.
• Commitment to equity and inclusive practices.
• Experience working with students with disabilities in K–12 or similar settings.

Responsibilities

• Be an IEP Case Manager: write data-driven IEPs, monitor progress, and support student growth.
• Partner with general education teachers to implement accommodations and modifications.
• Supervise paraprofessionals and coordinate student supports.
• Co-plan and co-teach grade-level content using DSST curriculum.
• Track student growth using assessment data to guide instruction.
• Promote positive culture and strong relationships with students and families.
• Engage in ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development.
• Support recruitment and after-school tutoring as needed.

Skills

IEP knowledge

Communication skills

Disabilities experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CU Denver ASPIRE

Alternative Licensure Program

Job description

POSITION

Special Education Teacher -- Licensure Pathways (ASPIRE)

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

LOCATION: Currently hiring at multiple locations. See which campuses are currently hiring for Special Education Teachers here.

SALARY: $62,000-$82,000 based on aligned years of experience up to 10 years. 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 in July. You can view the current DSST School Year Calendar here.

Interested in becoming a Special Education teacher but not yet licensed? We offer supported pathways to licensure while you work full-time at DSST.

THE OPPORTUNITY

DSST Public Schools is hiring Special Education Teachers across our network.

• Teach full-time as a Special Education Teacher
• Earn your Colorado teaching license while earning a salary and benefits
• Receive coaching, development, and support
• Build a long-term career in education

We partner with two licensure programs and will work with you to determine the appropriate pathway based on your background, experience, and program requirements.

LICENSURE PATHWAYS & SUPPORT

1. ASPIRE (CU Denver – 1 Year)

   Accelerated, primarily asynchronous online program

   Complete licensure in ~1 year while teaching full-time

   Best for candidates with extensive teaching experience and/or seeking only an endorsement

   Learn more: CU Denver ASPIRE

2. Alternative Licensure Program

TUITION & PAYMENT MODEL UPDATE (New as of [April 2026]):

• DSST has secured additional funding that may allow us to cover some or all of licensure program tuition costs for eligible participants.
• If selected for this funding, participants will be asked to commit to teaching Special Education at DSST for two years following program completion.
• We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as funding is limited.

• DSST pays tuition directly to the university upfront
• You repay tuition through automatic payroll deductions over the duration of the program
• Participant responsible for additional related fees.

See links above for more information. External funding (scholarships or grants) may reduce or eliminate the amount you owe.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

We are looking for individuals ready to grow into strong Special Education teachers.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in any field Ability to meet Colorado licensure requirements A belief that all students can succeed A growth mindset and openness to feedback A commitment to equity and inclusive practices

• Experience working with students (especially students with disabilities) in K–12 or similar settings (e.g., paraprofessional, RBT, tutor, camp counselor, etc.)
• Strong communication and time management skills that allows you to balance full-time teaching while completing a licensure program

THE ROLE

Our Special Education Teachers are leaders who ensure that students with disabilities are known, supported, 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: Write data-driven IEPs, develop goals, monitor progress, and support student growth
• Ensure Access to Instruction: Partner with general education teachers to implement accommodations and modifications
• Manage and Support Teams: Supervise paraprofessionals and coordinate student supports
• Deliver Rigorous Instruction: Co-plan and co-teach grade-level content using DSST curriculum
• Track Student Growth: Use assessment data to guide instruction and support mastery
• Promote Positive Culture: Build strong relationships with students and families and contribute to school culture
• Engage in Professional Development: Participate in coaching, feedback, and ongoing learning
• Contribute to School Community: Undertake additional duties as needed, such as supporting student recruitment, after school tutoring, etc. Explore more potential duties here.

Program Expectation

Candidates must remain in good standing in their licensure program and make consistent progress toward certification. Continued employment in the Special Education Teacher role is dependent on meeting program and licensure requirements.

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?

• 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 to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.

DSST Public Schools is a network of middle and high schools located in Denver, Colorado. We foster school communities where our students and staff become the best versions of themselves. At the core of our approach are strong and meaningful relationships, fostered in small schools, that ensure every student and staff member is known and valued for their unique contributions. Through this whole child approach, we operate many of the top middle and high schools in the city of Denver. But the true success has been that all our graduating seniors have been accepted into college since the first graduating class in 2004. Join a team that’s making an impact –