Teacher; Elementary Special Education

Job Description
Position Profile

Position: Teacher (Elementary) Special Education

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Teachers at Colorado Springs School District 11 are professional educators who ensure that every student has access to rigorous, engaging, and equitable learning opportunities. They embody the district’s values of innovation, inclusion, collaboration, and excellence, and are key contributors to creating a thriving school culture that supports academic and social-emotional success.

Core expectations include designing and implementing standards-aligned instruction, maintaining an inclusive learning environment, integrating technology effectively, using data to inform teaching, collaborating with colleagues, and engaging families as partners in education. Teachers also serve as reflective practitioners who continuously seek to improve through professional learning and feedback.

Essential Job Functions

Provide Specialized Instruction

• Design and deliver individualized, evidence-based instruction aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Adapt curriculum materials and teaching strategies to meet diverse learning, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.

Develop and Implement IEPs

• Collaborate with IEP teams to develop measurable goals and appropriate accommodations and modifications.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and district requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Monitor and Assess Student Progress

• Collect and analyze data on student performance to inform instructional decisions and interventions.
• Maintain accurate records, progress reports, and documentation to support ongoing evaluation of student growth.

Collaborate with Staff and Families

• Partner with general education teachers, related service providers, and administrators to support inclusive practices and coordinated instruction.
• Communicate regularly with families and caregivers to share progress, celebrate successes, and address student needs.

Promote Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments

• Implement positive behavior supports and proactive strategies to foster student engagement and independence.
• Advocate for equitable access to general education settings and resources.

Ensure Legal and Ethical Compliance

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all legal and ethical standards related to special education services and student records.
• Participate in IEP meetings, eligibility determinations, and compliance reviews as required.

Engage in Professional Growth and Collaboration

• Participate in professional learning communities, training, and development opportunities to enhance instructional practices.
• Reflect on teaching effectiveness and contribute to school and district initiatives promoting inclusive, student-centered education.

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state laws governing special education, including IDEA and Section 504.
• Principles and practices of individualized instruction, differentiation, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
• Methods for developing and implementing IEPs, including goal setting, progress monitoring, and documentation.
• Evidence-based instructional and behavioral interventions for students with a range of disabilities.
• Strategies to promote social-emotional learning, self-regulation, and independence among students.
• Assessment tools and data collection methods used to evaluate student learning and inform instructional decisions.
• Collaborative and inclusive practices that support effective partnerships between general and special education staff.
• Ethical and professional standards related to confidentiality, equity, and student advocacy.

Skills in:

• Designing and delivering individualized instruction that addresses students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Writing clear, compliant, and measurable IEP goals aligned with student strengths and needs.
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting student performance data to guide instruction and interventions.
• Managing and documenting multiple caseloads, deadlines, and compliance…