Special Education Teacher

The Odyssey School of Denver is a diverse, K-8 Expeditionary Learning (EL) charter school. We believe in teaching students how to learn through a focus on academic achievement, critical thinking, and social responsibility, preparing them for high school and beyond. Our EL curriculum is supported by a robust outdoor Adventure program in which all students and staff participate. Special Education teachers work to support the educational program of the Odyssey School of Denver in a manner that is true to the principles of EL Education and the mission and vision of the school.

Primary responsibilities include:

Planning, Instruction, and Assessment

• Develop compelling long-term and daily lesson plans aligned to student IEP goals and collect and analyze data to inform instruction
• Collect and modify grade level curriculum for students based on IEP goals for inclusion minutes and collaborate with teachers to determine administration of classroom assessments
• Provide all special education minutes based on student IEPs, both inclusion and pull-out
• Administer district/state assessments with accommodations (i.e. iReady, CMAS) and assessments as needed for progress monitoring and evaluation

Case Management

• Leads evaluation cycle for students on caseload, including administering and scoring assessments, and communicating with SSPs and families as needed
• Leads IEP writing and revisions for students on caseload
• Responsible for compliance of students on caseload, including meeting all deadlines
• Collaborates with other Case Manager/Special Education Teacher regularly

Family Communication

• Make families welcome, know them well, engage them actively in the life of the school, and communicate regularly with them.
• Make use of effective classroom management practices and communicate challenges and celebrations with parents

Professionalism & Responsibilities

• Participate in strong professional culture that is sustained via collective leadership and action.
• Observe and support the Odyssey staff community courtesies and Habits.
• Work with Adventure Director to schedule, plan, and support facilitation of two overnight trips per year, as well as a variety of Adventure days throughout the year, and coordinate parent chaperones.
• Attend and participate in all Staff Council and professional development meetings.
• Be prompt for school, meetings and other school responsibilities.

Leadership

• Serve as the instructional leader of the SPED team; department; assist team regarding curriculum, instructional strategies, use of data to determine student needs and increase student achievement. This role facilitates weekly team meetings, and guides team decision-making, and fosters strong communication between families, service providers, and campus staff.
• This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while supporting student success through quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Qualifications

• Must be a self-aware, mission-driven, solutions-oriented, team player looking to become an expert learner.
• Commitment to outdoor education and adventure programming for students.
• Certified Special Education teacher with 2 or more years of experience leading a classroom, K-5th grade experience preferred
• Experience with EL curriculum or project-based learning a plus but not required

This is a full-time position (196 days as described in the school calendar) between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Compensation is based on experience and includes health and retirement benefits.