Middle School Special Education Teacher - Severe​/FTE

2026/2027 Middle School Special Education Teacher - Severe/Significant Needs, 1.0 FTE

Durango School District 9-R – Durango, Colorado

Job
Final date to receive applications:
Feb 26, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)
Posted:
Dec 30, 2025 7:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date:
Aug 13, 2026

Applications are being accepted for Middle School Special Education Teachers – Severe/Significant Needs for the 2026/2027 school year.

The specialized program for students with significant support needs focuses on building functional communication, foundational academics, self‑care, socialization, and daily living skills throughout the school day. Students are educationally identified with significant cognitive impairment or multiple disabilities and may also have concurrent health, sensory, physical, and/or behavioral disabilities. Instruction is primarily aligned with extended evidence outcomes.

Each program provides comprehensive, small‑group direct instruction to reach each student’s goals and allows participation in inclusive learning activities as appropriate.

Must meet CDE and ESSA’s requirement for Special Education Teacher by the start date. Begins August 13, 2026.

Position Title: Licensed Special Education Teacher
Pay Grade: Licensed Salary Schedule
Job Family: Licensed Staff
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: School
Prepared Date: Nov. 25, 2014, Rev 7/1/17; 04/05/23
Typical Work Year: 10 months

Develop accommodations and curriculum modifications, develop standards‑aligned IEPs, and ensure fidelity of implementation. In collaboration with the general education staff, plan and deliver specialized instruction and assessment aligned with district learner outcomes and state achievement standards. Supervise assigned students, maintain a positive learning environment, and actively progress‑monitor student goals. Work with general education staff to provide direct and indirect support and adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs.

Maintain positive interpersonal relationships with students, parents, staff, and community members.

• Work with the IEP Team to develop and implement students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Monitor the goals and outcomes of the IEP and maintain communication with families and the rest of the IEP Team regarding progress.

• Work with the school administrative and counseling team as well as designated service providers to develop schedules for students on the caseload.

• Use case management strategies to support student outcomes based on adopted curricula for assigned grades and subjects so that students attain adopted grade/course expectations and standards. Collaborate with general education teachers to modify and tailor the curriculum as necessary to address individual differences, learning styles, functional educational levels, and student abilities.

• Work with assigned paraprofessionals to train and support them in assisting students and develop schedules for paraprofessionals to assist students as needed.

• Utilize formative and summative assessments to assess learning, achievement, and performance of each student and report results as required by district policy.

• Model, promote, and provide instruction related to character education, citizenship, responsible behavior, bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and responsible work habits.

• Provide safety instruction for students in activities that pose possible harm or injury, ensuring use of personal protective devices and adherence to safety requirements.

• Maintain an orderly, positive learning environment free from disruptive behavior by implementing proactive classroom management and enforcing the Student Conduct Code.

• Maintain an ongoing relationship with families to share information about the student’s educational program and improve the home‑school relationship.

• When necessary, work with the IEP Team to develop behavior support plans, health plans, safety plans, and/or crisis plans.

• Assist students in performing daily routines, including transportation to class and bus stops, toileting, diapering, feeding, medical needs, and personal hygiene, including care of trach, feeding tubes,…