Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher – 2026/2027 School Year

Position Title:

Special Education Teacher.

Department:
Special Education.

Reports to:

Aspen Middle School Principal. Classification:
Certified Full‑time Exempt. Contract Period: 9 months (185 days). Compensation:
Certified Salary Schedule.

The Aspen School District seeks a Special Education Teacher for Aspen Middle School for the 2026‑2027 School Year. This role focuses on creating a learning environment that encourages independence, self‑motivation, self‑direction, personal empowerment, and self‑advocacy among students with disabilities.

• Create a learning environment that encourages independence and self‑advocacy for students with disabilities.
• Prepare materials and conduct activities for a balanced teaching and work program.
• Use instruction strategies to develop academic, language, cognitive, and memory skills for students with varied disabilities.
• Employ formal and informal assessments to determine strengths and needs, and to inform Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Collaborate with regular classroom teachers, related service staff, and paraprofessionals to plan and coordinate appropriate services.
• Accommodate and modify instruction to meet individual student needs.
• Case‑manage and implement individualized education programs for each student on the caseload.
• Set clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects, and communicate instructional plans to colleagues.
• Accurately document and report student achievement using IEP software, ensuring compliance with state laws and district policies.
• Monitor individual student progress.
• Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, guest speaker visits, and other experiential activities.
• Participate in the school's Response to Intervention/Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support process.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss progress and establish resource needs.
• Maintain full attendance, be present and engaged during scheduled workdays, and arrive on time for all school events.
• Notify the appropriate school personnel in advance for anticipated absences and submit documentation as required.
• Prepare and submit substitute plans when absent, ensuring a smooth transition for students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Understanding of the IEP process.
• Ability to supervise, instruct, motivate, and problem‑solve with paraprofessionals and colleagues.
• Experience working with special populations.
• Strong organization, preparation, punctuality, and commitment to deadlines.
• Diplomatic conflict resolution skills, maintaining composure in challenging situations.
• Ethical practice with confidentiality.
• Ability to build rapport and effective relationships with students and adults.
• Collaborative mindset, flexibility in team discussions, and ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.
• Ability to formulate measurable goals and update them when achieved.
• Adherence to district policies and procedures.

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree.
• Current Colorado teaching license with a Special Education Generalist endorsement or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire.

• District‑funded employee and dependent health benefits (medical, vision, dental, life insurance).
• Paid leave, pension plan enrollment (CO PERA) with district contribution, TSA options, supplemental insurance (cancer, disability, etc.).
• Free transportation from Carbondale to Aspen for employees.
• Employee assistance and wellness programs.
• Access to employee housing program units (subject to availability).

• Mostly clean and comfortable surroundings.
• Possible exposure to body fluids.
• Heavy lifting may be required to assist students in ambulation, toileting (including diaper changing), and de‑escalation of aggressive behaviors.

• Train, direct, assign, and schedule work for assigned paraprofessionals.

Position Type:
Full‑time. Salary: $59,400 to $95,753.

Job Categories:
Special Education >
General Special Education.