2026/2027 Middle School Special Education Teacher - Mild/Moderate Needs, 1.0 FTE

Durango School District 9-R • Durango, CO

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Applications are being accepted for a Middle School Mild/Moderate Needs Special Education Teacher for the 2026/2027 school year. The position begins August 17, 2026. This role involves developing accommodations and curriculum modifications, creating standards-aligned Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and ensuring their faithful implementation. The teacher will collaborate with general education staff to plan and deliver specialized instruction and assessment aligned with District learner outcomes and State achievement standards. Responsibilities include supervising assigned students, maintaining a positive learning environment, and actively monitoring student progress towards goals. The teacher will work with general education staff to provide direct and indirect support and adapt instruction to meet the individual learning needs of all students, aiming to improve their academic achievement. Maintaining positive inter-personal relationships with students, parents, staff, and community members is also a key aspect of this role.

Requirements

• Must meet CDE and ESSA's requirements for In-Field Teacher in Special Education by the start date.
• 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.
• Microcomputers and general office equipment.
• IEP software.
• Microsoft Office applications.
• Student Information Systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring.

Responsibilities

• Develop accommodations and curriculum modifications.
• Develop standards-aligned IEPs and ensure fidelity of their implementation.
• In collaboration with general education staff, plan and deliver specialized instruction and assessment aligned with District learner outcomes and State achievement standards.
• Supervise assigned students and maintain a positive learning environment.
• Actively progress monitor student goals.
• Work with general education staff to provide direct and indirect support and adapt instruction to meet the individual learning needs of all students.
• Maintain positive inter-personal relationships with students, parents, staff, and community members.
• 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 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 on the adopted curricula for assigned grades and subjects.
• 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.
• 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.
• Model, promote, and provide instruction related to character education, 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.
• 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 ensure 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.

Benefits

• For the 26/27 SY, this position includes an $1800 one-time bonus! (pro-rated for late start).
• Durango School District is offering workforce housing options starting in the 2026/2027 school year!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level