Special Education Teacher-Mild​/Moderate , Animas Valley Elementary, .FTE

Job Information

Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026

FTE: 0.5 (20 hours per week)

Location: Animas Valley Elementary School, Durango, Colorado

Job Title: Licensed Special Education Teacher - Mild/Moderate Needs

Pay Grade: Licensed Salary Schedule

Job Family: Licensed Staff

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: School

Work Year: 10 months (2026/2027 school year)

Durango School District is seeking a part‑time, 0.5 FTE, Mild to Moderate Special Education Teacher to begin on August 17, 2026. The successful candidate will develop individual education plans, implement curriculum modifications, and work collaboratively with general education teachers to support students with special needs. Essential duties include classroom instruction, behavior support planning, assessment, and fostering positive learning environments while maintaining proactive relationships with families and community members.

• Work with the IEP Team to develop and implement students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Monitor goals and maintain communication with families and IEP Team members regarding progress.
• Co‑coordinate with school administration, counseling, and service providers to schedule students on the caseload.
• Use case management strategies to support student outcomes based on adopted curricula for assigned grades and subjects; collaborate with general education teachers to tailor curriculum for individual student differences, learning styles, and functional educational levels.
• Train and support paraprofessionals assisting students; develop schedules for paraprofessionals as needed.
• Utilize formative and summative assessments to evaluate learning, achievement, and performance; report results per district policy.
• Model and provide instruction related to character education, bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and responsible work habits.
• Provide safety instruction when activities pose potential harm; ensure students use protective equipment and follow safety requirements.
• Maintain an orderly, positive learning environment; enforce the Student Conduct Code and use proactive classroom management strategies.
• Maintain an ongoing relationship with families; share information, improve home and school relationships, and promote good relations among the school community.
• Develop behavior, health, safety, or crisis plans with the IEP Team when necessary.
• Assist students with daily routines (e.g., transportation, toileting, feeding, medical needs, including trach, feeding tubes, and catheterization).
• Abide by all applicable federal and Colorado laws, board policies, and district regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ensure student safety and welfare; supervise students at all times.
• Demonstrate punctual attendance and promptness.
• Submit required reports promptly.
• Protect school property and report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.
• Use district internet and email systems per policy.
• Fulfill additional duties assigned by the principal, superintendent, or their designees.

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

Experience: Preferred but not required for hiring.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations: Colorado Teaching License with endorsements for the required levels and subject areas; pass the PLACE or PRAXIS II Test; meet CDE and ESSA requirements for In‑Field Teacher; complete CPI training upon hire.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Effective understanding of the IEP writing process and standards alignment.
• Ability to develop and implement progress monitoring tools to assess student progress toward goals.
• Strong decision‑making, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with students of diverse needs at various levels.
• Ability to develop accommodations and modifications to facilitate mastery of Colorado Academic Standards.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Follow board and district policies, superintendent policies, and building/department procedures.
• Co…