Special Education Teacher - Morgridge Academy (Kindergarten - 2nd Grade)

National Jewish Health•Denver, CO

3d•$67,454 - $89,208

About The Position

Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Health is seeking a Special Education Teacher to support students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade in a specialized, health-focused learning environment. This role delivers individualized, rigorous instruction to students with chronic illnesses, integrating academic, medical, and social-emotional support. Teachers on our team foster a collaborative, student-centered classroom using innovative, project-based learning to promote curiosity, problem-solving, and self-advocacy. Teachers will provide an environment that nurtures the individual medical, educational, emotional and physical needs of children diagnosed with chronic illness with rigorous, innovative, and authentic experiences. Staff and Students will work together to solve meaningful problems through collaboration and innovation, create products to share with family and community, advocate for themselves and others, and be responsible, self-directed and curious learners. National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation, recognized for excellence in patient care, research, and education. Founded in 1899, the institution is committed to advancing science and improving lives. Morgridge Academy extends this mission by providing a free, accredited education to students with chronic illnesses.

Requirements

Bachelor degree required in Elementary Education, Special Education, OR Bachelors in other discipline with Teacher Certification Training in Education or Special Education.
A minimum of 3 years experience in elementary education and/or special education required.
Colorado teaching certification/licensure in elementary education and/or special education K-8 or K-12 as appropriate to grade/class assignment required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Elementary Education or Special Education (with a mild-moderate or affective needs endorsement), preferred.
Experience with chronically ill children preferred.

Responsibilities

Instruct students in all areas of academics, providing individualized instruction as needed and in compliance with all special education mandates.
Implement the Problem Based Learning model in conjunction with the PBL coach and other staff.
Plan and implement rigorous, authentic, and innovative lessons.
Assess student performance and provide meaningful feedback.
Collaborate with the special education coordinator to write and implement quality IEPs.
Maintain academic records and meet deadlines.
Support the mental health needs of students in conjunction with the school counselor and other staff.
Monitor and evaluate the physical condition of children.
Build deep relationships with families.
Supervise volunteers, educational assistants, interns or student teachers as needed.
Attend professional development, daytime meetings, and after school/evening meetings or events as necessary.
Assist with the supervision of students before school, during lunch, between classes, and/ or dismissal.
Serve as back-up to staff absences as necessary.
Maintain student confidentiality and other confidential information that is obtained during the performance of duties.
Collaborate with other staff to maintain the school garden.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Performs, as directed, safety compliance and uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as needed.
Participates in Quality Assessment (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI) programs, as directed.
Ensures compliance with The Joint Commission and all other Federal, State and Regulatory Agencies.
Responds promptly and sincerely to customer’s needs, requests and concerns via all communication forms using easily understood language and refraining from using inappropriate language and non-verbal gestures.
Maintains positive working relationships as a team player through problem solving issues, speaking positively about others, listening attentively and observing the Patient Bill of Rights and Confidentiality.
Increases customer service knowledge, skill and ability by participating in department and institution-wide specific programs.
Incorporates National Jewish’s identity (Science Transforming Life®) into daily functions.
Speaks positively about the institution, provides customers with prompt service, maintains a clean and safe working environment, dresses appropriately based upon National Jewish safety standards, and departmental policies and wears an ID badge visibly.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Multiple Cigna health plans for Colorado, regional office and remote employees. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available to pair with some plans.
Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accruals to use for vacation and sick days, and six paid holidays, all compliant with Colorado state sick leave regulations.
Dental & Vision Plans: Coverage effective the first of the month after hire.
Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with employer contributions after two years.
Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $200 annually for preventive health activities.
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time employees.
Child Care Assistance: Childcare Flex Spending Account (FSA) with annual employer contribution.
Loan Forgiveness: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid plans and optional buy-up choices.
Voluntary Benefits: Full suite of coverage options such as Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Plan Exclusive Discounts: Savings on local services, insurance, and RTD bus passes.