Special Education Teacher

Job Title:

Special Education Teacher

$50-65/hour

Up to $65/hour | Thornton, CO | Full-Time | 2026–2027 School Year | Center-Based Autism Special Education Teacher

Full-Time, 1.0 FTE Elementary school caseload Autism, Center Based Classroom Starting September 2026 for the entire 2026–2027 school year

Ampersand Therapy is hiring a Special Education Teacher to support students in a center-based Autism program in Thornton, CO. In this role, you’ll provide individualized and specialized instruction, implement IEP goals, support student behavior and communication needs, and create a structured classroom environment that promotes student growth and independence. You’ll collaborate closely with general education teachers, related service providers, families, and school staff to support the needs of your elementary caseload.

• Competitive pay up to $65/hour + stable school-year schedule
• Full-time, 1.0 FTE position
• Supportive district partnership
• W-2 employment with liability insurance included
• Healthcare benefits* + 401(k) with company match
• Reimbursement for licensure and professional development + referral bonuses
• Support from a therapist-owned and operated company

• Develop and implement IEPs tailored to individual student needs
• Provide specialized instruction in a center-based Autism classroom
• Support students with academic, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs
• Implement individualized behavior and instructional strategies
• Create a structured, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment
• Collaborate with general education teachers, specialists, therapists, and families
• Monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly
• Write progress reports and maintain compliant documentation
• Adapt curriculum and teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs
• Promote student independence, communication, and functional skills

• Valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) teaching license with Special Education endorsement
• Experience working with students with Autism preferred
• Strong classroom management and behavior support skills
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• School-based experience preferred, not required

Ampersand Therapy is a therapist-owned and operated company built by providers who understand school-based work. We focus on support and mentorship so clinicians can do their best work. Our team is committed to equity, community impact, and creating a workplace where therapists feel valued. Benefits apply to 0.8 FTE and above after a short waiting period.

Ampersand Therapy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment and sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other identity characteristics. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and join our team.

Please reach out to  if you have any questions!

We’re a small business, local to many of the areas we hire in, and are proud to be women, minority, and therapist-founded and run. We began our career working in schools both as district and contract employees. We sought to create an alternative to working with big staffing companies. The result is a small team of like-minded specialists who are striving to create a company that we would want to work for.

Because we are therapists ourselves, we are deeply appreciative of and understand the work that you do. We’re also in a unique position to be able to support and mentor those who are new to this practice area. We’re so passionate about students that we’re often working in the schools ourselves. You might find us doing treatments alongside you!