Special Education Teacher - Elementary (K-5)

Odyssey School of Denver; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading K-8 Expeditionary Learning charter school in Denver seeks a passionate Special Education Teacher for a full-time role. This position emphasizes academic excellence, critical thinking, and social responsibility, all within an engaging environment that includes outdoor adventures. The ideal candidate is committed to fostering a supportive learning community and ensuring compliance with IEP standards. Salary is competitive and based on experience, along with health and retirement benefits.

Benefits

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Outdoor Adventure Program participation

Qualifications

• Must be self-aware and mission-driven.
• 2+ years leading a classroom preferred.
• Experience with EL curriculum a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and assess student learning according to IEPs.
• Lead evaluation cycles and communicate with families.
• Facilitate outdoor learning experiences, including trips.

Skills

Solutions-oriented

Team player

Outdoor education commitment

Education

Certified Special Education Teacher

K-5th Grade Teaching Experience

Job description

The Odyssey School of Denver is a diverse, K-8 Expeditionary Learning (EL) charter school. We believe in teaching students how to learn through a focus on academic achievement, critical thinking, and social responsibility, preparing them for high school and beyond. Our EL curriculum is supported by a robust outdoor Adventure program in which all students and staff participate. Special Education teachers work to support the educational program of the Odyssey School of Denver in a manner that is true to the principles of EL Education and the mission and vision of the school.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Planning, Instruction, and Assessment

  • Develop compelling long-term and daily lesson plans aligned to student IEP goals and collect and analyze data to inform instruction

  • Collect and modify grade level curriculum for students based on IEP goals for inclusion minutes and collaborate with teachers to determine administration of classroom assessments

  • Provide all special education minutes based on student IEPs, both inclusion and pull-out

  • Administer district/state assessments with accommodations (i.e. iReady, CMAS) and assessments as needed for progress monitoring and evaluation

• Case Management

  • Leads evaluation cycle for students on caseload, including administering and scoring assessments, and communicating with SSPs and families as needed

  • Leads IEP writing and revisions for students on caseload

  • Responsible for compliance of students on caseload, including meeting all deadlines

  • Collaborates with other Case Manager/Special Education Teacher regularly

• Family Communication

  • Make families welcome, know them well, engage them actively in the life of the school, and communicate regularly with them.

  • Make use of effective classroom management practices and communicate challenges and celebrations with parents

• Professionalism & Responsibilities

  • Participate in strong professional culture that is sustained via collective leadership and action.

  • Observe and support the Odyssey staff community courtesies and Habits.

  • Work with Adventure Director to schedule, plan, and support facilitation of two overnight trips per year, as well as a variety of Adventure days throughout the year, and coordinate parent chaperones.

  • Attend and participate in all Staff Council and professional development meetings.

  • Be prompt for school, meetings and other school responsibilities.

• Leadership

  • Serve as the instructional leader of the SPED team; department; assist team regarding curriculum, instructional strategies, use of data to determine student needs and increase student achievement. This role facilitates weekly team meetings, and guides team decision-making, and fosters strong communication between families, service providers, and campus staff.

  • This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while supporting student success through quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Qualifications

• Must be a self-aware, mission-driven, solutions-oriented, team player looking to become an expert learner.

• Commitment to outdoor education and adventure programming for students.

• Certified Special Education teacher with 2 or more years of experience leading a classroom, K-5th grade experience preferred

• Experience with EL curriculum or project-based learning a plus but not required

This is a full-time position (196 days as described in the school calendar) between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Compensation is based on experience and includes health and retirement benefits.

(see 2024-2025 payscale here; currently under revision)