Special Education Teacher - Morgridge Academy Job Denver area,Colorado USA,Education / Teaching

Special Education Teacher

Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Health is seeking a Special Education Teacher to support students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade in a specialized, health-focused learning environment. This role delivers individualized, rigorous instruction to students with chronic illnesses, integrating academic, medical, and social-emotional support. Teachers on our team foster a collaborative, student-centered classroom using innovative, project-based learning to promote curiosity, problem-solving, and self-advocacy.

Key Highlights

Provide differentiated instruction across all subjects while ensuring compliance with IEPs and special education requirements
Implement rigorous, authentic lessons using a Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach
Collaborate with clinical and school teams to support students' overall well-being
Build strong relationships with families and maintain accurate academic records

National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation, recognized for excellence in patient care, research, and education. Founded in 1899, the institution is committed to advancing science and improving lives. Morgridge Academy extends this mission by providing a free, accredited education to students with chronic illnesses.

Position Summary Teachers will provide an environment that nurtures the individual medical, educational, emotional and physical needs of children diagnosed with chronic illness with rigorous, innovative, and authentic experiences. Staff and students will work together to solve meaningful problems through collaboration and innovation, create products to share with family and community, advocate for themselves and others, and be responsible, self-directed and curious learners.

Essential Duties

Instruct students in all areas of academics, providing individualized instruction as needed and in compliance with all special education mandates.

Implement the Problem Based Learning model in conjunction with the PBL coach and other staff.

Plan and implement rigorous, authentic, and innovative lessons.

Assess student performance and provide meaningful feedback.

Collaborate with the special education coordinator to write and implement quality IEPs.

Maintain academic records and meet deadlines.

Support the mental health needs of students in conjunction with the school counselor and other staff.

Monitor and evaluate the physical condition of children.

Build deep relationships with families.

Supervise volunteers, educational assistants, interns or student teachers as needed.

Attend professional development, daytime meetings, and after school/evening meetings or events as necessary.

Assist with the supervision of students before school, during lunch, between classes, and/ or dismissal.

Serve as back-up to staff absences as necessary.

Maintain student confidentiality and other confidential information that is obtained during the performance of duties.

Collaborate with other staff to maintain the school garden.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

Other Duties

Performs, as directed, safety compliance and uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as needed.

Participates in Quality Assessment (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI) programs, as directed.

Ensures compliance with The Joint Commission and all other Federal, State and Regulatory Agencies.

Responds promptly and sincerely to customer's needs, requests and concerns via all communication forms using easily understood language and refraining from using inappropriate language and non-verbal gestures.

Maintains positive working relationships as a team player through problem solving issues, speaking positively about others, listening attentively and observing the Patient Bill of Rights and Confidentiality.

Increases customer service knowledge, skill and ability by participating in department and institution-wide specific programs.

Incorporates National Jewish's identity (Science Transforming Life®) into daily functions. Speaks positively about the institution, provides customers with prompt service, maintains a clean and safe working environment, dresses appropriately based upon National Jewish safety standards, and departmental policies and wears an visibly.

Competencies

Accountability:
Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to National Jewish Health.

Impact and Influence:
Using appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one's own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals involved. Taking advantage of opportunities to make a different and have an impact. When used will, the intended outcome of this competency is the creation of goodwill, trust and respect while motivating people to want to follow you even when they don't have to.

Collaboration and Teamwork:
Cooperates with…