Special Education Teacher

NOW HIRING for 2024-2025Full-Time Special Education Teacher

Do you crave a diverse learning environment in the city center, made up of a crew that believes in deeper learning, provides coaching and robust professional development for teachers, and takes the learning out of the classroom and into the real world? At DDES, we believe that all students deserve access to appropriately rigorous & engaging learning experiences in which they have the opportunity to participate in meaningful work.

The Downtown Denver Expeditionary School (DDES) is a K-5 public charter school in the portfolio of Denver Public Schools. DDES was founded by a group of parents, community members, and business leaders seeking a high-performing EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) school to serve a diverse range of families who live, work, or learn in downtown Denver. DDES is one of 33 credentialed schools in a national network of more than 150 schools that work together with EL Education to challenge students to think critically and take active roles in their classrooms and communities, resulting in higher achievement and greater engagement in school.

Our ApproachThe city is our campusStudents interact with their community through fieldwork and service-learningStudents are able to connect their learning to real-world issues and needs We invite experts from our surrounding community to deepen instruction Students are leaders of their own learning:Students grapple with real-world problems through multi-subject learning expeditionsStudents produce high-quality work and present their work to authentic audiencesStudents regularly engage in cycles of reflection culminating in Student-Led conferences We educate the Whole ChildSocial-emotional learning and character development is a core component of our curriculum Daily Crew block and closing circle promote meaningful relationships with peers and teachersAdventure trips for all grade levels (2-3/year)Robust Movement and Art programs In-house after-school program with no enrollment caps & financial assistance We provide the support students need: Focus on small classes with additional adult support Impactful intervention and special education teams Two full-time mental health professionals (psychologist and social worker)Auggie the therapy dog onsite each weekDiverse by Design & Anti-Racist practicesEnrollment priorities are focused on DDES becoming a fully integrated K-5 public school, both racially and socio-economicallyCulturally responsive curriculum which intentionally includes traditionally marginalized perspectivesLong-term partnerships with BIPOC professionals to provide expertise within Learning Expedition Units of StudyRecruitment strategies aimed at diversifying educators to reflect our student population“Grow your own” teacher-assistant to teacher pipeline program which aims to train, develop and promote BIPOC educators from within DDES.

Our Culture Compensation & Benefits Innovative and competitive compensation modelMultiple pathways to salary increases, not solely based on advanced degrees. Step and lane system that rewards dedication, commitment, and mastery of knowledge/skills Stipended school leadership opportunities ( instructional, operational, and community-based). Comprehensive medical and dental plan, 100% paid by DDESPERA retirement plan with employer contributions. Short Term Disability, 100% paid for by DDES (long-term optional) Paid parking and/or commuter cost 100% paid for by DDES10 days paid-time-off available immediately & 25 days paid-vacation/holiday during the school yearFlexible Savings Account option for medical and childcare coverageVision care & PERA 401k option, PERA life optionFree on-site aftercare if your child attends DDES. Professional Growth & DevelopmentTwo-week PD summer institute Early release Fridays for weekly PDWeekly individual goal-oriented peer coachingAutonomy in lesson design and planning Pathways to leadership developmentOpportunities for outside PD, EL Education Restorative practices training and modelingNeurosequential Model in Education trainingCulturally Responsive Classroom trainingTeacher SupportHighly trained and experienced para support60 minute daily planning periodsNo-contact teacher planning days (4/yr)Budget for classroom beautification, experts & fieldwork ($1000 total) Accolades & regular celebrations of successOther perks Staff celebrations (paid for by DDES) & accoladesLounge stocked with snacks, coffee & treats year-roundAppreciation breakfasts, lunches & dinners Regular staff outings and self-care initiativesHigh-quality staff swagMacbooks for all staff

Ready to join our Crew?Here at DDES, we don’t just accept differences — we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our employees, our students, and our community. DDES seeks to recruit persons of diverse backgrounds and support the retention and advancement of black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) within the organization. DDES is inclusive of people regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, marital status, age, physical abilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs, or any other non-merit fact so that all employees feel included, equally valued and supported.

Position OverviewThe special education teacher works with crew leaders, administration, specialists, and other DDES staff to support students with disabilities in a manner that is true to the principles of Expeditionary Learning and the mission and vision of Downtown Denver Expeditionary School. The special education teacher sets rigorous goals for students and works closely with each crew leader to plan and support student learning through both pull out and push in services. In addition, the special education teacher supports and collaborates with IEP team members including speech-language, occupational therapy, and mental health support staff. The special education teacher is the lead case manager for evaluations, IEP service delivery & progress monitoring.

Ideal candidates A commitment to and thirst for continuously improving teaching and school culture through rigorous coaching, professional development and inquiryA professional with strong evidence of implementing effective instructional practices that increase student learning and growthProven ability to contribute to a high-performing team, along with the ability to have open and honest conversationsA commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion work and a creating a culturally responsive classroomA passion for deeper learning that aligns with the core principles of EL EducationThe ability to build strong relationships with your students and center family engagement in your practice. Primary ResponsibilitiesTeach special education students in an Expeditionary Learning model that provides a continuum of services including individual and small group support, as well as inclusion in the general education classroom.

Develop & monitor IEPs in collaboration with all IEP team members.Develop and execute individualized lesson plans in all subject areas.Administer and interpret both formal and informal individualized educational assessments and evaluations.Adapt teaching methods and instructional methods to meet students’ varying needs and interests.Communicate with parents/guardians, crew leaders, specialists, counselors, and administrators to support students’ behavioral and academic challenges.

Necessary qualifications:Bachelors degree Possess a Colorado teaching certificate in Elementary Education with appropriate Special Education endorsements Ability to pass a state, federal and the Facility Child Abuse and Neglect (TRAILS) criminal background checks

Does it sound like a fit?

DDES engages in a recruiting process that involves initial and secondary phone interviews, in-person interviews, demonstration lessons, group interviews, and background and reference checks.

To initiate the process, please submit a DDES General Application, and we will be in touch soon.

You will need the following in order to complete the application: Updated resume If available, a 15-minute video of a class lesson, which should include a portion of you leading whole-class instruction.Video of class lesson is not a requirement, but helps us understand your teaching style. 30 minutes to answer long form questions