Durango School District 9-R - Durango, CO
posted 3 days ago
About the position
Durango School District 9-R is accepting applications for Middle School Special Education Teachers - Severe/Significant Needs, for the 2025/2026 school year. 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 7, 2025.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- Maintain positive inter-personal relationships with students, parents, staff and community members.
- Work with the IEP Team to develop and implement students' Individualized Education Plans (IEP's).
- 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 on the adopted curricula for assigned grades and subjects.
- Collaborate with general education teachers to modify and tailor the curriculum as necessary.
- Work with assigned paraprofessionals to train and support them in assisting students.
- Utilize formative and summative assessments to assess the learning, achievement, and performance of each student.
- Model, promote, and provide instruction related to character education.
- Provide safety instruction for students when necessary.
- Maintain an orderly, positive learning environment free from disruptive behavior.
- Maintain an ongoing relationship with families regarding the student's educational program.
- Develop behavior support plans, health plans, safety plans, and/or crisis plans as necessary.
- Assist students in performing daily routines when necessary.
- Abide by all applicable Federal and Colorado laws and regulations; Board of Education policies and District Regulations.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree of related subject from accredited university.
- Colorado Teaching License with endorsements for the levels and subject areas teaching.
- Pass the PLACE or PRAXIS II Test.
- Meet CDE and ESSA requirements for In-Field Teacher.
- Complete CPI training upon hire.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring.
