Special Education Teacher - Mild/Moderate Needs, Sunnyside Elementary 1.0 FTE

Durango School District 9-R; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Durango School District 9-R is seeking a Mild/Moderate Needs Special Education Teacher for the 2025/2026 school year. The teacher will develop adaptations and modifications to support student learning, implement IEPs, and collaborate with staff to align with district outcomes. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and a Colorado Teaching License. The position emphasizes building positive relationships with students and families, with duties including training paraprofessionals, supervising students, and ensuring a safe classroom environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Colorado Teaching License with endorsements is mandatory.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop accommodations and modifications for students.
• Work with the IEP Team to monitor student progress.
• Ensure a positive learning environment and support diverse needs.

Skills

Communication skills

Decision-making

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related subject

Colorado Teaching License

Tools

Microsoft Office

IEP software

Student Information Systems

Job description

Durango School District 9-R is accepting applications for a Mild/Moderate Needs Special Education Teacher to join the team at Sunnyside Elementary for the 2025/2026 school year. Must meet CDE and ESSA requirements for In-Field Teacher in Special Education by the start date. Begins August 11, 2025.

Job Title: Licensed Special Education Teacher

Pay Grade: Licensed Salary Schedule

Job Family: Licensed Staff

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: School

Prepared Date: Nov. 25, 2014, Rev 7/1/17; 04/05/23

Typical Work Year: 10 months

Summary

Develop accommodations and curriculum modifications, develop standards-aligned IEPs, and ensure fidelity of their implementation. Collaborate with general education staff to plan and deliver specialized instruction and assessment aligned with District learner outcomes and State achievement standards. Supervise assigned students, maintain a positive learning environment, and actively monitor student progress. Work with general education staff to support and adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs, enhancing student achievement. Maintain positive relationships with students, parents, staff, and community members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the IEP Team to develop and implement students' IEPs, monitor goals, and communicate progress with families and team members.
• Coordinate with school administration, counseling team, and service providers to develop student schedules.
• Use case management strategies to support student outcomes based on adopted curricula, modifying and tailoring instruction as needed for individual students.
• Train and support paraprofessionals assisting students; develop schedules for paraprofessional support.
• Utilize assessments to evaluate student learning and report results per district policies, including formal and informal diagnostic assessments.
• Model and promote character education, citizenship, responsible behavior, bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and work ethics.
• Provide safety instructions and ensure students adhere to safety requirements.
• Maintain an orderly, positive classroom environment, enforce discipline, and supervise students to prevent disruptive or violent behavior.
• Engage with families to share educational progress and improve home-school relationships; foster positive relations within the school community.
• Develop behavior support, health, safety, and crisis plans as needed.
• Assist students with daily routines and personal needs when necessary, including working with medical equipment.
• Follow all applicable laws, policies, and procedures related to employment and student safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Requirements

• Ensure student safety and supervision at all times.
• Maintain punctuality and submit reports promptly.
• Protect district property and report suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Use district internet and email systems appropriately.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration.

Education and Training

Bachelor’s degree in a related subject from an accredited university.

Experience

Experience preferred but not required for hiring.

Certificates, Licenses, & Registrations

Colorado Teaching License with endorsements for relevant levels and subjects, passing PLACE or PRAXIS II, meeting CDE and ESSA requirements, and completing CPI training upon hire.

Technical Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Understanding of IEP writing processes and standards alignment.
• Ability to develop progress monitoring tools.
• Decision-making, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with diverse student needs and develop appropriate accommodations.
• Commitment to confidentiality and safety.
• Ability to work cooperatively in teams and follow policies and procedures.

Materials and Equipment Knowledge

• Microcomputers, office equipment, IEP software, Microsoft Office, Student Information Systems.

Durango School District 9-R is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, and other protected categories. For civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Laura Galido, Compliance Officer, at the district.