Special Education Teacher I - Spring Creek Youth Services Center

State of Colorado•Colorado Springs, CO

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher I provides special education services, classroom instruction, and support to committed youth at the Spring Creek Youth Services Center. The teacher serves students with special education needs identified in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), develops IEPs collaboratively with parents, students, and team members, and follows applicable special education laws and guidelines. The role includes entering records into the online IEP system, administering and interpreting educational assessments, and maintaining required licensure and knowledge of Division of Youth Services (DYS) procedures. Assignments may shift to different content areas, career and technical education (CTE), or other instructional needs as determined by business needs or supervisor expectations. The teacher provides standards-based instruction, prepares daily and unit lesson plans, assesses student learning, uses data to guide instruction, and applies research-based and differentiated teaching strategies. The position also requires ongoing documentation and collaboration with education, treatment, and facility staff; participation in IEP and other student-support meetings; and compliance with safety procedures, the Code of Conduct, Sanctuary procedures, and applicable leave policies. Work is at the assigned location during scheduled hours. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with a 7 a.m. start; arrangements may change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment.
Current, valid Initial or Professional Teacher license issued by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).
For teaching assignments, a current, valid Interim Teacher license or Temporary Educator Eligibility Authorization may substitute for the Colorado Initial or Professional Teacher license.
For academic teaching assignments only, a current, valid Colorado Adult Basic Education Authorization, Initial Special Services, or Special Services license may substitute for the Colorado Initial or Professional Teacher license.
Maintain appropriate, current teaching licensure as a condition of employment.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Must be a Colorado resident at application and remain a resident of Colorado throughout employment.
Must complete a full background check and reference check.
Must pass a Motor Vehicle Record check and possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License.
Must successfully complete the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and mandatory annual training; continued employment is contingent on successful completion.
Some in-state travel may be required for meetings, professional development, or training.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of effective research-based instructional strategies.
Understanding of classroom-based behavioral interventions.
Ability to build rapport with students while maintaining boundaries.
Experience with at-risk populations.
Content-area knowledge.
Teamwork and cross-curricular collaboration skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Oral communication skills.
Dual endorsements or documentation of ability to be Highly Qualified in multiple content areas.
Licensure aligned to the position.
Experience working with at-risk or adjudicated youth.
Experience with differentiated instruction, lesson or curriculum development, and providing differentiated instruction.
Proficiency using data to inform instructional practice.
Secondary school experience.
Knowledge of trauma-informed practices as applied to at-risk populations and classroom instruction.
Project-based learning experience.
Experience with special needs populations.
Previous State experience.

Responsibilities

Provide direct and indirect instructional support in a positive learning environment and maintain a daily class schedule that meets special education students’ needs and provides the required continuum of services.
Teach content classes, CTE courses, or other courses as assigned by the principal or supervisor.
Prepare standards-aligned daily and unit lesson plans, daily learning goals and objectives, course syllabi, course outlines, and scope and sequences for pull-out and push-in services.
Design and implement assessments to evaluate student progress and use assessment results and other data to guide instructional decisions.
Provide data on student progress toward IEP goals, MTSS, and other identified areas.
Use research-based, differentiated, and technology-supported strategies to accommodate students at multiple ages and instructional levels and to address needs described in IEPs.
Maintain classroom management within the established culture and ensure substitute plans are available for planned or unexpected absences.
Keep lesson plans available for review and upload them monthly to the shared drive by the 10th of each month.
Provide ongoing student-needs information and feedback to the Special Education Coordinator, including information for IEP goals and objectives and MTSS strategies.
Provide an annual curriculum review for each course taught and follow QAYS education standards.
Maintain required special education paperwork, records, data, and documentation within applicable timelines, including IEP-system records, attendance, grades, behavior monitoring, planning, and data tracking.
Use the building’s technology and calendar to manage IEP, MTSS, BID, and MDT meetings.
Attend and participate in IEP meetings and complete IEP components delegated by administration.
Meet formally and informally with the principal, treatment providers, and other teachers to review student and school progress.
Develop comprehensive plans for implementing assigned subject matter in alignment with education goals.
Follow safety procedures, facility policies, the Code of Conduct, Sanctuary procedures, and leave procedures.
Serve as a substitute when directed and perform other duties as assigned.
Participate in professional and staff-safety development.

Benefits

PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
Medical and dental health plans.
Employer-supplemented Health Savings Account.
Paid life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave.
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center.
Employee Wellness program.
Work-life programs, including flexible schedules and training.
Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.