Middle School Special Education Teacher - Severe​/FTE

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

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

Durango School District 9-R invites applications for the Middle School Special Education Teacher position for the 2026/2027 school year. The role focuses on building functional communication, foundational academics, self‑care, socialization, and daily living skills for students with significant support needs.

Role begins August 13, 2026. Must meet CDE and ESSA requirements for Special Education Teacher by start date.

Summary

Develop accommodations and curriculum modifications, implement IEPs, deliver specialized instruction, supervise students, monitor progress, collaborate with general education staff, maintain positive learning environment, and build relationships with families and community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with IEP Team to develop, implement, and monitor students’ Individualized Education Plans.
• Collaborate with school administration, counseling team, and service providers to develop student schedules.
• Use case management strategies to support student outcomes, collaborating with general education teachers to modify curriculum.
• Train and support paraprofessionals in assisting students and develop their schedules.
• Utilize formative and summative assessments to evaluate learning and report results.
• Model character education, bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and responsible behavior.
• Provide safety instruction and enforce Student Conduct Code.
• Maintain relationships with families to share program information and improve home‑school collaboration.
• Develop behavior, health, safety, or crisis plans as needed.
• Assist students in daily routines, including medical or personal hygiene tasks.
• Abide by all applicable federal, state, and district regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional

Job Requirements

• Ensure safety and welfare of students with continuous supervision.
• Demonstrate punctuality and attendance.
• Submit required reports promptly.
• Protect school property.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Use district’s internet and e‑mail system per policy.
• Fulfill additional duties as directed by principal or superintendent.

Education and Training

Minimum:
Bachelor’s degree in a related subject from an accredited university.

Experience

Experience is preferred but not required.

Certificates, Licenses, & Registrations

Colorado teaching license with appropriate endorsements, passage of PLACE or PRAXIS II, meeting CDE and ESSA in‑field teacher requirements, completion of CPI training upon hire.

Technical Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of IEP writing process and standards alignment.
• Ability to develop and use progress monitoring tools.
• Strong decision‑making, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience working with students with diverse levels of need.
• Ability to develop accommodations and modifications aligned with Colorado Academic Standards.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow policies.
• Team collaboration skills.
• Safety awareness and ability to report unsafe conditions.

Materials and Equipment Knowledge

• Microcomputers and general office equipment.
• IEP software.
• Microsoft Office applications.
• Student Information Systems.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Durango School District is an equal‑opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, or need for special education services in admissions, access to treatment, or employment.

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