Special Education Teacher - Mild​/Moderate , Needham Elementary, FTE

Special Education Teacher - Mild/Moderate Needs, Needham Elementary, 1.0 FTE

Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026

Durango School District is accepting applications for an Elementary School Mild/Moderate Needs Special Education Teacher at Needham Elementary School for the 2026/2027 school year. Must meet CDE and ESSA's requirements for In-Field Teacher in Special Education by the start date. Begins August 17, 2026.

Employee workforce housing available in the 2026/2027 school year!

Position includes a one‑time bonus of $1,800 (pro‑rated for late start) in the 2026/2027 school year!

Job Title: Licensed Special Education Teacher

Pay Grade: Licensed Salary Schedule

Job Family: Licensed Staff

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: School

Typical Work Year: 10 months

Develop accommodations and curriculum modifications, develop standards‑aligned IEPs and ensure fidelity of their 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 and maintain a positive learning environment. Responsible to actively progress monitor student goals. Work with general education staff to provide direct and indirect support and adapt instruction to meet the individual learning needs of all students, resulting in an increased probability of advancing their achievement.

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.
• Effectively use case‑management strategies to support student outcomes based on the adopted curricula for assigned grades and subjects so that students attain 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.
• Work with assigned paraprofessionals to train and support them in assisting students and assist in developing the schedules for paraprofessionals to assist students in the school setting as needed.
• Utilize formative and summative assessments to assess 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, others 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 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 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. Develop and promote good relations among the school community: parents, staff, administration and other community members.
• When necessary, work with the IEP team to develop behavior support plans, health plans, safety plans, and crisis plans.
• Assist students in performing daily routines, including getting to and from…