Significant Needs, 1.0 FTE

Durango School District 9-R•Durango, CO

About The Position

Applications are being accepted for Elementary Special Education Teachers - Severe/Significant Needs, for the 2026/2027 school year. The specialized program for students with significant support needs focuses on building functional communication, foundational academics, self-care, socialization, and daily living skills throughout the school day. The students in this program have been educationally identified with significant cognitive impairment or multiple disabilities. The individual may also have concurrent health, sensory, physical, and/or behavioral disabilities. Students in this program receive instruction primarily aligned with extended evidence outcomes. Each program provides comprehensive, small-group direct instruction for each student to reach their goals. Students also have the opportunity to participate in meaningful, inclusive learning activities to the extent that is appropriate for each individual student. Must meet CDE and ESSA's requirement for Special Education Teacher by the start date of the position. Begins August 13, 2026.

Requirements

Must meet CDE and ESSA's requirement for Special Education Teacher by the start date of the position.
Minimum: Bachelor’s degree of related subject from accredited university.
Colorado Teaching License with endorsements for the levels and subject areas teaching.
Pass the PLACE or PRAXIS II Test.
Meet CDE and ESSA requirements for In-Field Teacher.
Complete CPI training upon hire.
Excellent interpersonal relations and oral and written communication skills.
Effective understanding of the IEP writing process including standards alignment of the IEP
Ability to develop and implement appropriate progress monitoring tools to assess student progress toward goals.
Strong decision making, analytical and organizational skills.
Ability to work with students with diverse needs at various levels.
Ability to develop and implement accommodations and modifications that facilitate student mastery of the Colorado Academic Standards.
Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
Ability to promote and follow Board and District policies, Superintendent policies and building/department procedures.
Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively in a team setting
Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.

Nice To Haves

Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring.

Responsibilities

Work with the IEP Team to develop and implement students' Individualized Education Plans (IEP's).
Monitor the goals and outcomes of the IEP and maintain communication with families and the rest of the IEP Team regarding the progress on the IEP.
Work with the school administrative and counseling team as well as designated service providers to develop schedules for students on the caseload.
Effectively use case management strategies to support student outcomes based the adopted curricula for assigned grades and subjects so that students attain adopted grade/course expectations and standards.
Collaborate with general education teachers to modify and tailor the curriculum as necessary to address individual student differences, learning styles, functional educational levels and student abilities.
Strong knowledge of content areas, literacy and numeracy intervention programs, teaching methods, learning styles and educational research related to learners with all types of special needs.
Work with assigned paraprofessionals to train and support them in assisting students.
Assist in developing the schedules for paraprofessionals to assist students in the school setting as needed.
Utilize formative and summative assessments to assess the learning, achievement, and performance of each student and report the results as required by District Policy and school procedures.
Knowledge of both formal and informal diagnostic special education assessments.
Model, promote, and as situations arise, take the opportunity to provide instruction related to character education including citizenship and responsible behavior (respect for self, other and property), bullying prevention, conflict resolution skills, and responsible work habits and ethics.
Provide safety instruction for students when the subject, activities, chemicals, product, tools and/or equipment pose possible harm or injury to students including use of personal protective devices (protective eye devices, safe clothing) and assure that students adhere to safety requirements.
Maintain an orderly, positive learning environment free from disruptive behavior by implementing proactive classroom management strategies and enforcing the Student Conduct Code.
Supervise students to minimize any possibility of violent behavior and to minimize potential accidents.
Maintain an ongoing relationship with families for the purposes of sharing information regarding the student's educational program and assisting the family in cooperatively improving the student's home and school relationship.
Develops and promotes good relations among the school community: parents, staff, administration and other community members.
When determined necessary, work with the IEP Team to develop behavior support plans, health plans, safety plans, and/or crisis plans.
When deemed necessary by the caseload, assist students in performing daily routines, including getting to and from class and bus stops, using toilets, diapering, feeding, medical needs and personal hygiene, including working with trach, feeding tubes, and catheterization.
Be familiar with and abide by all applicable Federal and Colorado laws and regulations; Board of Education policies and District Regulations, as amended from time to time; school procedures that relate to employment with the District.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Assure the safety and welfare of students including necessary actions to insure that students are supervised at all times.
Demonstrate faithfulness and promptness in attendance at work.
Submit required reports promptly at the times specified.
Demonstrate care of and protection of School District property
Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.
Use the District’s internet and E-mail system as specified in Policy.
Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent or their designees.