Elementary Special Education Teacher - Severe​/FTE

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

Join to apply for the 2026/2027 Elementary Special Education Teacher - Severe/Significant Needs, 1.0 FTE role at Durango School District 9-R.

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. The students in this program have been educationally identified with significant cognitive impairment or multiple disabilities. The individual may also have concurrent health, sensory, physical, and/or behavioral disabilities. Students in this program receive instruction primarily aligned with extended evidence outcomes.

Each program provides comprehensive, small‑group direct instruction for each student to reach their goals. Students also have the opportunity to participate in meaningful, inclusive learning activities to the extent that is appropriate for each individual student.

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

Job 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

• 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 the progress on the IEP.
• Work with the school administrative and counseling team as well as designated service providers to develop schedules for students on the caseload.
• Effectively use case management strategies to support student outcomes based upon the 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 student differences, learning styles, functional educational levels and student abilities. Strong knowledge of content areas, literacy and numeracy intervention programs, teaching methods, learning styles and educational research related to learners with all types of special needs.
• Work with assigned paraprofessionals to train and support them in assisting students. Assist in developing the schedules for paraprofessionals to assist students in the school setting as needed.
• Utilize formative and summative assessments to assess the learning, achievement, and performance of each student and report the results as required by District Policy and school procedures. Knowledge of both formal and informal diagnostic special education assessments.
• Model, promote, and as situations arise, take the opportunity to provide instruction related to character education including citizenship and responsible behavior (respect for self, other and property), bullying prevention, conflict resolution skills, and responsible work habits and ethics.
• Provide safety instruction for students when the subject, activities, chemicals, product, tools and/or equipment pose possible harm or injury to students including use of personal protective devices (protective eye devices, safe clothing) and assure that students adhere to safety requirements.
• Maintain an orderly, positive learning environment free from disruptive behavior by implementing proactive classroom management strategies and enforcing the Student Conduct Code. Supervise students to minimize any possibility of violent behavior and to minimize potential accidents.
• Maintain an ongoing relationship with families for the purposes of sharing information regarding the student’s educational program and assisting the family in cooperatively improving the student’s home and school relationship. Develops and promotes good relations among the school community: parents, staff, administration and other community members.
• When determined necessary, work with the IEP Team to develop behavior support plans, health…