Teacher, Elementary Special Education Moderate Needs, Kindergarten - 5Th Grade

DPS•Denver, CO

About The Position

Applications will be received until March 12, 2026 . If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org . About this job: Instructs special education students in settings that provide a continuum of services from self-contained instruction to full inclusion in the regular classroom. What DPS Offers You: A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives. Competitive Teacher Compensation and Procomp Incentive plan, click here for the DCTA Teacher and SSP Salary Schedule. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles. Please note: You must submit all relevant documentation via onboarding before the deadline (15 days after receiving your offer letter) for salary setting purposes . In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off , health and wellness benefits , and PERA Retirement . What You’ll Do: Develops and executes individualized lesson plans in all subject areas, providing for direct instruction while maintaining a focus on District standards and benchmarks Administers and interprets both formal and informal individualized educational assessments Counsels students to encourage and support student achievement Monitors, supervises, coordinates, and enforces rule of conduct and behavior of assigned students; reinforces positive student behaviors in accordance with school and District policy Observes, evaluates, and records student performance, behavior, social development, and physical health and prepares student, attendance, and activity reports as required by administrators Prepares lesson plans and materials according to curriculum guidelines, adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests; establishes and communicates to students clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects; and instructs students individually and in groups using various teaching methods Prepares, administers, assigns, and grades tests and assignments to evaluate student progress, reporting grades using District software Communicates with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve student behavioral and academic problems Provides daily living (e.g. toileting, diapering, feeding, personal hygiene) following universal precautions and as trained and directed; operates, monitors, and performs maintenance of adaptive technology and equipment; and lifts and transports students using appropriate equipment and lifting technique

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required. A Master's Degree is only required for Concurrent Enrollment positions.
Have a valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) teaching license.
ELA-S Only: Must be Bilingual in Spanish and English Required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
Effective time management, critical thinking, problem solving, and organizational skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Strong attention to detail
Effectively handles multiple demands and competing deadlines
The ability to take responsibility for one’s own performance
Ability to work effectively as member of multi-disciplinary team
Aptitude for variety and changing expectations in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), Early Childhood Initiatives, and the Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA) 2008 rules and regulations
Knowledge of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) rules and regulations
Knowledge of individualized teaching techniques, differentiated instruction, and the ability to appropriately select and implement instructional strategies
Strong commitment to the developmental/educational growth of young students
Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with young special needs students and their parents preferred.
Experience working with young special needs children who represent the diversity of the District school community is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops and executes individualized lesson plans in all subject areas, providing for direct instruction while maintaining a focus on District standards and benchmarks
Administers and interprets both formal and informal individualized educational assessments
Counsels students to encourage and support student achievement
Monitors, supervises, coordinates, and enforces rule of conduct and behavior of assigned students; reinforces positive student behaviors in accordance with school and District policy
Observes, evaluates, and records student performance, behavior, social development, and physical health and prepares student, attendance, and activity reports as required by administrators
Prepares lesson plans and materials according to curriculum guidelines, adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests; establishes and communicates to students clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects; and instructs students individually and in groups using various teaching methods
Prepares, administers, assigns, and grades tests and assignments to evaluate student progress, reporting grades using District software
Communicates with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve student behavioral and academic problems
Provides daily living (e.g. toileting, diapering, feeding, personal hygiene) following universal precautions and as trained and directed; operates, monitors, and performs maintenance of adaptive technology and equipment; and lifts and transports students using appropriate equipment and lifting technique