Teacher, Early Childhood Education - Sped Center Program

Job Title

Early Childhood Special Education (SPED) Teacher

Applications will be received until July 2, 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 k12.org.

Early Childhood Special Education (SPED) Teachers provide services to students with all identified educational disabilities. ECE Model 1 is an inclusive ECE program that supports children ages 3-5 who require a higher level of specialized instruction and related service support. It is staffed by an Early Childhood Special Educator as the lead teacher and two paraprofessionals. Model 1 (ECE) programs range from ages 3-5.

Special education teachers are responsible for managing a caseload, monitoring student growth, and developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). They are also responsible for modifying or adapting curriculum to best meet students' needs while providing access to Common Core State Standards.

• 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.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other total reward offerings such as time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA retirement.

• Instruct students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques to meet students' varying needs.
• Create, write, monitor, and facilitate IEPs for students on the caseload to ensure that students' individualized academic and social-emotional needs are met.
• Oversee the scheduling of IEP meetings and the IEP process for students assigned to caseload to ensure compliance with state and federal law.
• Assess student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals to provide feedback to students, parents, and administration.
• Promote student respect for the rights of others in the classroom to create and maintain a positive learning environment.
• Prepare lesson plans and materials according to curriculum guidelines, adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests; establishes and communicates clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects; and instructs students individually and in groups using various teaching methods.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to students' physical, medical, and varying learning styles to their identified disabilities to support students.
• Set high expectations for all students to demonstrate a deep belief that every learner thrives.
• Complete Medicaid logging for reimbursement of services when applicable.
• Manage and teach socially appropriate behavior to promote self-regulation and safety.
• May participate in extra-duty activities as outlined in the teachers' collective bargaining agreement (this is for coaching, tutoring, or summer programs, etc. for Dept. of Labor laws).

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Education or related field required. A Master's Degree is only required for Concurrent Enrollment positions.
• Hold a Master's Degree in Deaf Education, preferred.
• Have a valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) teaching license.  for additional information regarding specific requirements and qualifications for the various subject areas (DPS does accept a CDE Application Receipt for 90 days.)
• ELA-S Only (teaching in both Spanish and English) positions, candidates are required to take the Spanish language proficiency (SLP) exam, proctored by Berlitz Testing.  for more information. Additionally, if a teacher has taken, or choses to take, the Praxis II - Spanish:
  World Language 5195 exam, it will also work at DPS as an appropriate SLP exam, as long as the candidate scores 163 or higher on the Praxis II (#5195) exam.
• ELA-S Only:
  Must be bilingual in Spanish and English required.
• Experience working with young students with exceptional needs and their parents preferred.
• Experience developing and implementing IEPs and BIPs.
• Experience co-teaching in core academic subjects and thrives in a collaborative team approach preferred.
• Experience…