SPED Significant Support Needs (LIFE) (Temporary)

Mesa County Valley School District 51; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 51,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesa 51 Schools seeks a SPED Significant Support Needs (LIFE) teacher for a temporary position at Grand Mesa Middle School. You will plan, implement, and evaluate instructional programs for students with severe and/or significant support needs, aligned to IEPs, while promoting inclusion and collaborating with families and service providers.

You will lead IEP implementation, supervise paraprofessional staff, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and district requirements, including the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution required.
• Valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Educator License with Special Education Generalist endorsement or other applicable endorsement.
• Quality Behavior Solutions certification (QBS) must be obtained within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement instructional programs aligned to district curriculum and students' IEPs.
• Provide instruction in whole-group, small-group, and individualized settings to meet learning and behavioral needs.
• Develop and adapt lesson plans, instructional materials, and activities to support progress.
• Promote inclusionary practices by modifying curriculum and instructional strategies to support participation in general education.

Skills

Collaboration

IEP knowledge

Classroom management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree required

CDE Special Education Generalist endorsement

QBS certification within 60 days

Job description

SPED Significant Support Needs (LIFE) (Temporary) JobID: 12849

• Date Posted:
  10/6/2026
  
• Location:
  Grand Mesa Middle School
  (High-Needs School)
  
• Closing Date:
  10/12/2026
  

Description

SPED Significant Support Needs (LIFE) (Temporary)

Job Summary

Operating under the general direction of the Building Leader and the Director of Special Education, this position serves as a collaborative member of the special education team and is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional programs for students with severe and/or significant support needs, including students with significant behavior needs and autism. The position provides specially designed instruction aligned to students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), utilizes evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices, and promotes inclusionary practices whenever appropriate. This role leads IEP implementation, supervises assigned paraprofessional staff, collaborates closely with families and service providers, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and district special education requirements.

The LIFE (Learning Involves Functional Education) Program (formerly known as SSN Significant Support Needs) is an educational program offered by Mesa 51 Schools, which combines an inclusionary educational program and a life skills educational program for eligible students. Students in this program's IEP goals and services are aligned to the Colorado Alternative Standards, otherwise known as Extended Evidence Outcomes.

Job Responsibility Description

Instructional Planning and Delivery

• Plan, develop, and implement instructional programs aligned to district curriculum and students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Provide instruction in whole-group, small-group, and individualized settings to meet a wide range of student learning and behavioral needs.
• Develop and adapt lesson plans, instructional materials, and learning activities to support student progress.
• Promote inclusionary practices by modifying and adapting curriculum, materials, and instructional strategies to support student participation in general education and school-wide activities, when appropriate.

IEP Implementation and Student Progress

• Implement and monitor IEP goals, objectives, and transition plans in collaboration with the IEP team.
• Monitor and evaluate student academic, behavioral, social, and emotional progress.
• Adjust instructional strategies, supports, and services based on student data and progress monitoring.

Learning Environment and Student Support

• Establish and maintain a structured, supportive learning environment that maximizes instructional time and promotes student safety and well-being.
• Supervise student behavior and implement discipline in accordance with district policies and IEPs.

Collaboration and Communication

• Communicate regularly with families and staff regarding student progress, needs, and services.
• Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, administrators, and outside agencies to support student success.
• Participate in team, building-level, and IEP meetings.

Staff Coordination and Scheduling

• Provide instructional direction and daily work guidance to assigned paraprofessional staff to support student learning and service delivery.
• Support student and staff scheduling to ensure compliance with IEP requirements and service delivery.

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in professional learning, meetings, and required conferences.
• Complete all required special education documentation in accordance with federal and state law, district policy, and established timelines.
• Demonstrate commitment to equity, student diversity, family engagement, and professional standards.

Other Duties

• Additional tasks, duties, and responsibilities may be assigned as needed/requested.

Education and Experience

Acceptable demonstration of acceptable education and/or experience will be at the sole discretion of the District.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution required
• Valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Educator License with Special Education Generalist endorsement or other applicable endorsement
• Quality Behavior Solutions certification (QBS) must be obtained within 60 days of hire

Working Conditions

190 days / year

Salary & Benefits

Teacher Base Pay Salary Schedule Range:
$50,765 - $105,998 based on one (1) FTE at one hundred eighty eight (188) days.

Hiring Range for External Candidates

$50,765 - $87,145

*Teachers are initially placed according to experience. Teachers new to the District may be granted up to 15 years of experience, provided the experience occurred within the last 20 years in accordance with the MVEA Agreement.

View all salary schedules for the current school year at: https://www.d51schools.org/departments111/human-resources/salary-schedules

Information regarding D51 Benefits can be found here: https://www.d51schools.org/departments111/human-resources/employee-benefits

Selection Procedure

Position is posted temporary for the 2026-27 school year