High School Special Education Strat BD Teacher

High School Special Education Strat 2 BD Teacher (Options)

Starting Date: Aug 10, 2026

DMPS is seeking a special education teacher for our alternative high school programs at Options Academy. This role will support students at Starts Right Here and Urban Dreams. Applicants with a K-12 Strat 2 BD endorsement, or licensed teachers willing to obtain a conditional endorsement, are encouraged to apply.

DMPS will pay for required coursework for a Strat 2 BD endorsement in exchange for a multi-year commitment to remain teaching in the district.

Experience working with students in alternative education settings is preferred!

There is a $2,500 hiring bonus (paid spread across all checks of 26‑27) for this position.

TITLE: Special Education Teacher (PreK‑12)

POSITION TYPE: TCHR

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

• Valid Iowa teaching license (appropriate endorsement code for teaching assignment).
• Demonstrate effectiveness in oral and written communications.
• Experience in an urban school district
• CPR certification.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Experience in an urban school district
• CPR certification.

BASIC FUNCTION: Responsible for planning and delivering a high‑quality educational program to meet children’s academic, social‑emotional, and behavioral needs. The special education teacher is a partner with the guardian and support team in developing, implementing, and monitoring the student Individual Education Plan (IEP).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

• Deliver daily lessons, aligned to state and district standards, that meet students’ individual needs and ensure growth.
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to achieve learning.
• Participate in building and district professional learning communities to plan for instruction, analyze data, and create assessments.
• Work with colleagues to make accommodations to instruction and curriculum to meet the learning needs of students with IEPs.
• Monitor student learning on a daily basis. Use multiple data points to guide and individualize instruction.
• Communicate with families on a regular basis.
• Demonstrate consistent progress on meeting the eight Iowa Teaching Standards.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Attend work promptly and on a regular basis.
• Maintain a satisfactory working relationship with staff, students, and families.
• Assist with other duties as needed to maintain a safe and orderly school.

DEPARTMENT: Student & Family Services

REPORTS TO: Building Administrator, Director of Student Services

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Special Education Consultant

BARGAINING GROUP: DMEA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

FT/PT: Fulltime DAYS: 195 or 199 day contract HOURS: 7.75

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, walking, sitting, bending/stooping, reaching/pushing/pulling, lifting, carrying

WORKING CONDITIONS: Mostly indoors with some outdoor responsibilities during recess and arrival/dismissal

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job‑related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check. Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.

Salary: $50,569 to $83,640 Per Year