Special Education Teacher – Alternative Licensure Pathway (2027-2028 School Year)

DSST Public Schools•Denver, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

DSST Public Schools is hiring middle and high school Special Education Teachers through an alternative licensure pathway. Teachers lead instruction and support students with disabilities while earning a Colorado Special Education license. This is a full-time, in-person, school-year position with salary, benefits, and dedicated coaching. DSST currently provides full approved licensure tuition support of approximately $7,000–$13,000, subject to program costs and annual funding availability. Tuition support is offered through state grant funding and/or direct DSST funding in exchange for a three-school-year teaching commitment. Eligible participants must apply for the Colorado Educator Recruitment and Retention grant; additional licensure application, exam, and other fees may not be covered. DSST partners with CU Denver ASPIRE, a primarily online, asynchronous one-year program, and the MSU Denver Alternative Licensure Program, a two-year, cohort-based program with weekly Wednesday evening classes. The Talent Team helps candidates identify the program that best fits their experience and learning needs. Teachers balance full-time teaching with licensure coursework and are expected to maintain satisfactory progress and good standing in their program. Mild/Moderate teachers typically support caseloads of approximately 12–17 students, though caseloads vary by campus and student needs. Dedicated planning time supports instruction and IEP case management. Teachers receive weekly instructional coaching and participate in monthly professional development with fellow first-year Special Education teachers. The role also includes contributing to schoolwide initiatives, which may include student recruitment and tutoring. DSST recruits for this role on an ongoing, rolling basis to meet current and anticipated hiring needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in any field.
Ability to meet Colorado's alternative licensure requirements for Special Education.
Commitment to teach Special Education at DSST for three school years in exchange for tuition support.
Ability to balance full-time teaching with licensure coursework and maintain good standing in the program.
Belief in every student's potential and commitment to educational equity, inclusive practices, and professional growth.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with K–12 students, particularly students with disabilities, as a general education teacher, paraprofessional, Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), tutor, youth development professional, or in a similar role.
Experience adapting instruction or supporting diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
Strong communication, organization, relationship-building, and time management skills.
Openness to coaching, feedback, and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), write goals, monitor progress, and ensure students receive appropriate services.
Co-plan and co-teach grade-level curriculum, adapting instruction to meet students' individual needs.
Implement accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports that help students access rigorous instruction.
Partner with families, educators, service providers, and paraprofessionals to support student success.
Use assessments, student work, and IEP data to adjust instruction and track student progress.
Build strong relationships with students and families and create an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
Participate in coaching, monthly Year 1 Special Education cohort development, and licensure coursework while maintaining satisfactory progress toward certification.
Support schoolwide initiatives, which may include student recruitment, tutoring, or other responsibilities.

Benefits

Full approved licensure tuition support, currently approximately $7,000–$13,000 depending on the program, subject to annual funding availability and applicable requirements.
Relocation stipend for candidates joining from 75 miles or more from Denver.
Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package.
Fertility and adoption support.
Educator-focused mental-health care and access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative.
Comprehensive health coverage.
Six weeks of paid parental leave.
Safeway grocery discounts and local discounts.
Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and career pathways.
Recognition awards and milestone celebrations.
11+ weeks off each year.
PERA-covered retirement position.