Special Education Teacher - Licensure Pathways; ASPIRE or MSU Denver

Position: Special Education Teacher - Licensure Pathways (ASPIRE or MSU Denver)
POSITION: Special Education Teacher -- Licensure Pathways (ASPIRE or MSU Denver)

GRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both middle school and high school positions

LOCATION: Currently hiring at multiple locations. See which campuses are currently hiring for Special Education Teachers here.

SALARY: $62,000-$82,000 based on aligned years of experience up to 10 years. We also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver!

STATUS: Full time school year, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position

START: First day of new SpEd Teacher staff training will be in July. You can view the current DSST School Year Calendar here.

Interested in becoming a Special Education teacher but not yet licensed?

We offer supported pathways to licensure while you work full-time at DSST.
Speak directly with our team to learn more and get started: DSST Talent Team Calendly Sign Up

Special Education hiring is our top priority - we encourage you to connect early.

THE OPPORTUNITY

DSST Public Schools is hiring Special Education Teachers across our network. This is an opportunity to:

• Teach full-time as a Special Education Teacher
• Earn your Colorado teaching license while earning a salary and benefits
• Receive coaching, development, and support
• Build a long-term career in education

We partner with two licensure programs and will work with you to determine the appropriate pathway based on your background, experience, and program requirements.

LICENSURE PATHWAYS & SUPPORT

1. ASPIRE (CU Denver - 1 Year)

• Accelerated, primarily asynchronous online program
• Complete licensure in ~1 year while teaching full-time
• Best for candidates with extensive teaching experience and/or seeking only an endorsement

Learn more: CU Denver ASPIRE Alternative Licensure Program

2. MSU Denver Alternative Licensure (2 Years)

• In-person, cohort-based program
• Weekly evening classes (Wednesdays)
• More gradual pace with additional in-person support

Learn more: MSU Denver Alternative Licensure Program

TUITION & PAYMENT MODEL

UPDATE (New as of [April 2026]):
DSST has secured additional funding that may allow us to cover some or all of licensure program tuition costs for eligible participants.

If selected for this funding, participants will be asked to commit to teaching Special Education at DSST for two years following program completion.

We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible
, as funding is limited.

If you are not selected for DSST-funded tuition, the standard tuition model below will apply:

• DSST pays tuition directly to the university upfront
• You repay tuition through automatic payroll deductions over the duration of the program
• Participant responsible for additional related fees. See links above for more information.

External funding (scholarships or grants) may reduce or eliminate the amount you owe.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

We are looking for individuals ready to grow into strong Special Education teachers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in any field
• Ability to meet Colorado licensure requirements
• A belief that all students can succeed
• A growth mindset and openness to feedback
• A commitment to equity and inclusive practices

Strong Candidates Typically Have:

• Experience working with students (especially students with disabilities) in K-12 or similar settings (e.g., paraprofessional, RBT, tutor, camp counselor, etc.)
• Strong communication and time management skills that allows you to balance full-time teaching while completing a licensure program

THE ROLE

Our Special Education Teachers are leaders who ensure that students with disabilities are known, supported, and challenged to achieve their most ambitious post-secondary path. Learn more about a Day in the Life of a Special Education Teacher and why you should choose to grow your career at DSST here.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be an IEP Case Manager:
  Write data-driven IEPs, develop goals, monitor progress, and support student growth
• Ensure Access to Instruction:
  Partner with general education teachers to implement accommodations and modifications
• Manage and Support Teams:
  Supervise paraprofessionals and coordinate student supports
• Deliver Rigorous Instruction:
  Co-plan and co-teach grade-level content using DSST curriculum
• Track…