TEACHER, ELEMENTARY SPECIAL EDUCATION, MODERATE NEEDS - K-5TH GRADE

Denver Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off

Health benefits

PERA retirement

Job summary

Denver Public Schools is seeking a Special Education (SPED) Teacher to adapt lessons for students with disabilities, provide direct instruction, and align with district standards. Roles include administering assessments, managing classroom behavior, and collaborating with families to support learning outcomes.

Applicants should hold a Colorado teaching license or have an application receipt for 90 days, and demonstrate commitment to equity and excellence within a diverse community in Colorado.

Qualifications

• Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field.
• Has a valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) teaching license or CDE Application Receipt for 90 days.
• Experience with young special needs students and their parents preferred.
• Experience with diverse student populations preferred.
• Live in Colorado and able to meet physical demands; supportive of equity and excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes individualized lesson plans across subjects, with direct instruction aligned to district standards.
• Administers and interprets formal and informal educational assessments.
• Monitors and enforces behavior, reinforcing positive student conduct per district policy.
• Adapts teaching methods and materials to meet varied student needs and interests.
• Provides daily living support and operates adaptive technology; assists with safe student transport as needed.
• May participate in extra-duty activities per the bargaining agreement (coaching, tutoring, etc.).

Skills

Lesson planning

Assessment

Classroom management

Adaptable instruction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field

Job description

Job Description

Applications will be received until August 24, 2026. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline.

About This Job

Special Education (SPED) Teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.

What DPS Offers You

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Competitive Teacher Compensation and Procomp Incentive plan, Please note: You must submit all relevant documentation via onboarding before the deadline (15 days after receiving your offer letter) for salary setting purposes.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off , health and wellness benefits , and PERA Retirement.

What You'll Do

• Develops and executes individualized lesson plans in all subject areas, providing for direct instruction while maintaining a focus on District standards and benchmarks.
• Administers and interprets both formal and informal individualized educational assessments.
• Monitors, supervises, coordinates, and enforces rule of conduct and behavior of assigned students; reinforces positive student behaviors in accordance with school and District policy.
• Prepares lesson plans and materials according to curriculum guidelines, adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests; establishes and communicates to students clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects; and instructs students individually and in groups using various teaching methods.
• Provides daily living (e.g. toileting, diapering, feeding, personal hygiene) following universal precautions and as trained and directed; operates, monitors, and performs maintenance of adaptive technology and equipment; and lifts and transports students using appropriate equipment and lifting technique.
• May participate in extra-duty activities as outlined in the teachers' collective bargaining agreement (this is for coaching, tutoring, or summer programs, etc. for Dept. of Labor laws).

What You’ll Need

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required.
• Have a valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) teaching license. DPS does accept a CDE Application Receipt for 90 days.
• Experience working with young special needs students and their parents preferred.
• Experience working with young special needs children who represent the diversity of the District school community is preferred.
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.

DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.