.6 to .8 FTE Part-Time Special Education Teacher

Description

Overview of position:
The Special Education Teacher serves a crucial role within public education in terms of ensuring access to a free and appropriate public education, in accordance with IDEA and our commitment to ensuring a culture of belonging and academic success at Denver Language School. Working as part of a professionally strong and highly collaborative team, the appointee has a pivotal role in ensuring highly effective learning and teaching for all students within DPS. Furthermore, the appointee shall ensure compliance and adherence with the spirit and specifics of IEPs in partnership with students, families, faculty and staff. Consequently, we are looking for a highly effective communicator and an individual with a deep sense of integrity.

The specific case load for this role is not yet determined. Work may be located at both, or either, the Whiteman or Gilpin campuses of Denver Language School. A combination of push-in and pull-out service provision is highly probable, with the flexibility of the appointee crucial to ensuring the continued success of this excellent team.

The role requires in-person work at our school campuses, with some flexibility at the discretion of the hiring manager. This role is explicitly not remote-work eligible. The role as Special Education Teacher at an independent charter school such as Denver Language School requires our whole team of educators to serve a broad range of duties beyond the scope of their role description. There is no central office, and all our employees are expected to support our school-wide events.

Reporting to the Head of Special Education, the appointee shall:

• Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Create tailored educational plans for students with disabilities, setting specific academic and behavioral goals, and ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);
• Implement Accommodations and Modifications: Adapt teaching methods, materials, and assessments to meet the diverse needs of students, providing necessary accommodations and modifications as outlined in their IEPs;
• Provide Direct Instruction: Deliver specialized instruction to students with disabilities, either individually or in small groups, focusing on their unique learning requirements;
• Collaborate with Educational Teams: Work closely with general education teachers, school counselors, administrators, and other professionals to support student progress and ensure a cohesive educational experience;
• Monitor Student Progress: Regularly assess and document students' academic and behavioral progress, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to meet IEP goals;
• Maintain Accurate Records: Keep detailed records of student assessments, IEPs, progress reports, and communications with parents and other professionals, ensuring compliance with legal and district requirements;
• Support Social and Emotional Development: Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes social skills, emotional well-being, and peer interactions among students;
• Manage Classroom Behavior: Implement effective behavior management strategies to address challenging behaviors, creating a structured and supportive learning environment;
• Engage with Families: Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians, providing updates on students' progress, addressing concerns, and collaborating on strategies to support learning at home;
• Participate in Professional Development: Stay informed on the latest best practices, laws, and policies regarding special education by attending workshops, conferences, and other professional development opportunities.

Please note, this is an non exhaustive list of responsibilities any the appointee shall be asked to take on a range of reasonable responsibilities at the direction of their manager. 

Salary at entry for a 1.0 employee at DLS as a Special Education Teacher is between $55,000 and $71,000 depending on experience and qualifications. A 0.6 employee should expect a salary of between $33,000 - $42,600; a 0.8 employee should expect between $45,000 and $58,000

Denver Language School is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy and will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Denver Language School is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required;
• Meet the requirements outlined by the State of Colorado for a Special Education Generalist and/or an out-of-state equivalence that can be recognised by the State of Colorado by 1 August 2025;

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Prior professional experience working within a district or public charter school;
• Comfort and ease with the Infinite Campus and the Enrich platform and the wider system of electronic records keeping required within public education;
• Prior experience working with mild/moderate special educational needs with a focus on ensuring an inclusive and participatory learning experience;
• A postgraduate degree in Special Education or a reasonable equivalent will be considered.