TEACHER, SECONDARY SPECIAL EDUCATION - MODERATE NEEDS, 6TH-12TH GRADE

**Applications for this position must be submitted by May 19, 2026 to ensure full consideration. If a candidate is not identified through our initial review process, we will continue to review applications received after this date. Even if this specific position is filled, we may consider your application for other exciting opportunities with DPS. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting our job board at careers.dpsk12.org.**

 

About this job:

Teaches Middle School special education students in settings that provide a continuum of services from self-contained instruction to full inclusion in the regular classroom.

What DPS Offers You:

 

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range: New hires will be set at $22.824 per hour. The salary range for internal candidates is $22.824 to $27.275 per hour. For detailed compensation information, view the Para Salary Schedule. The salary listed reflects the 2025–2026 school year. Salaries for the 2026–2027 school year are typically finalized and released mid-summer, with an effective date of August 1. If any updates or adjustments are made once the new salary schedule is finalized, all impacted individuals will receive the updated salary.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits - English Version or Health and Wellness Benefits  - Spanish Version , and PERA Retirement. For additional information visit our New Employee Resources page.
• This position is represented by an employee association (bargaining unit).  Please see the Employee Associations Page for the current master agreement and important documents associated with your bargaining unit. 

 

What You'll Do:

•    Develops and executes individualized lesson plans in all subject areas, providing for direct instruction while maintaining a focus on District standards and benchmarks
•    Administers and interprets both formal and informal individualized educational assessments
•    Counsels students to encourage and support student achievement
•    Monitors, supervises, coordinates, and enforces rule of conduct and behavior of assigned students; reinforces positive student behaviors in accordance with school and District policy
•    Observes, evaluates, and records student performance, behavior, social development, and physical health and prepares student, attendance, and activity reports as required by administrators
•    Prepares lesson plans and materials according to curriculum guidelines, adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests; establishes and communicates to students clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects; and instructs students individually and in groups using various teaching methods
•    Prepares, administers, assigns, and grades tests and assignments to evaluate student progress, reporting grades using District software
•    Communicates with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve student behavioral and academic problems
•    Lifts and transports students using appropriate equipment and lifting technique

 

What You’ll Need:

• To see what qualifications are acceptable for this role, please refer to this paraprofessional qualifications guide.
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education. 
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.  
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

 

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

 

Students First . Integrity . Equity. Collaboration . Accountability . Fun

 

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation.  DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.  

DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth.  Learn more at dpsk12.org.