TEACHER, SECONDARY SPECIAL EDUCATION MODERATE NEEDS - 6TH-8TH GRADE

Denver Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Total rewards including health and PER

Job summary

Denver Public Schools seeks a Special Education teacher to adapt lessons for students with mild to moderate disabilities and provide inclusive, high-quality instruction in Denver, Colorado. You will assess student needs, design individualized plans, and support daily living skills as required.

The role emphasizes equity, collaboration, and adherence to district standards, with opportunities to participate in extra duties and school programs as needed.

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field (Master’s not required except for Concurrent Enrollment positions).
• Have a valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) teaching license.
• Experience with young special needs students and diverse District communities preferred.
• Commitment to equity and high-quality education for all students.
• Residence in Colorado and ability to meet physical demands of the job.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes individualized lesson plans across subjects, aligning with District standards.
• Administers and interprets formal and informal assessments.
• Manage classroom behavior and reinforce positive student conduct per policy.
• Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet varying needs and interests.
• Provide daily living support and operate adaptive technology as trained.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field

Colorado Department of Education teaching license

Job description

Job Description

Applications will be received until November 18, 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.
• 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. A Master's Degree is only required for Concurrent Enrollment positions.
• Have a valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) teaching license. For additional information regarding specific requirements and qualifications for the various subject areas (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

With 193 schools, over 89,000 students and over 10,000 staff members, Denver Public Schools is the largest urban school district in Colorado. We’re focused on building a system that’s designed to help every student thrive. We’re re-focusing our efforts where they matter most: on creating classrooms that are vibrant centers of learning, where caring teachers are engaging their students in rigorous, culturally responsive experiences in order to lift all students toward a bright horizon. Visit the Denver Public Schools website for more information.