Special Education Teacher – Mild/Moderate (2027–2028 School Year)

Thank you for your interest in joining DSST Public Schools for the 2027–28 school year! Please note that final interviews for these positions are expected to begin by February 2027. If you have questions or need to be considered on a different timeline, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Talent Team at humancapital@scienceandtech.org. We're excited to learn more about you throughout the hiring process!

POSITION: Special Education Teacher – Mild/Moderate | 2027–28 School Year

GRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both middle school and high school positions

LOCATION: Multiple DSST Public Schools locations across Denver and Aurora, Colorado. View current openings. We encourage you to apply even if your preferred position is not yet listed, as additional opportunities may become available throughout the hiring season.

SALARY: $62,000–$82,000 based on up to 10 years of aligned experience. We also offer a relocation stipend for candidates moving from 75 miles or more outside Denver!

STATUS: Full-time, school-year, benefits-eligible, exempt, in-person position

START: Late July 2027, beginning with dedicated Special Education new-hire training. View the school-year calendar.

Champion Inclusion. Build Relationships. Transform Student Learning.

At DSST Public Schools, we believe every student deserves to be known, challenged, and supported in pursuing their most ambitious future. Our Special Education teachers are essential partners in making that vision a reality.

As a Mild/Moderate Special Education Teacher, you'll collaborate with general education teachers to deliver grade-level instruction, manage Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and provide individualized academic and behavioral support. You'll help students with disabilities access rigorous learning experiences while building the skills and confidence to thrive.

Why Teach Special Education at DSST?

• Teach in an Inclusive Model: Co-plan and co-teach alongside general education teachers, ensuring students with disabilities access challenging grade-level curriculum and meaningful classroom experiences.
• Receive Specialized Coaching & Support: Benefit from weekly instructional coaching, dedicated Special Education professional development, and opportunities to collaborate with SpEd colleagues across DSST.
• Know What to Expect: Mild/Moderate teachers typically support caseloads of approximately 12–17 students, although caseloads vary by campus and student needs. Dedicated planning time supports instruction and IEP case management.

What Does Mild/Moderate Special Education Look Like at DSST?

Our Mild/Moderate teachers support students who receive most of their instruction in general education classrooms, with individualized accommodations, modifications, and specialized services.

Teachers work alongside general education colleagues to plan and deliver instruction, monitor student progress, and coordinate IEP services. Depending on the school and student needs, responsibilities may include co-teaching, push-in support, and targeted academic or behavioral interventions.

Explore Special Education at DSST!

• Meet a Special Education Teacher Inspiring Young Readers: Discover how Jermaine Robinson uses creativity to support students' literacy development and confidence.
• Learn More About Special Education at DSST: Explore our inclusive instructional model, professional development, and Special Education programs through our recruitment one-pager.

What You'll Do

• Manage Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Develop data-driven IEPs, establish goals, monitor progress, and ensure students receive appropriate services and supports.
• Deliver Inclusive Instruction: Co-plan and co-teach rigorous, grade-level curriculum alongside general education teachers, adapting instruction to meet individual student needs.
• Ensure Access for Every Learner: Collaborate with teachers to implement accommodations and modifications consistently while advocating for students through schoolwide support systems, including MTSS.
• Coordinate Student Supports: Partner with families, educators, and service providers, and supervise paraprofessionals when required by student support plans.
• Monitor Student Growth: Use assessments, student work, and IEP progress data to guide instruction, deliver targeted interventions, and celebrate student achievement.
• Build a Positive School Culture: Develop trusting relationships with students and families while creating an inclusive environment grounded in high expectations and belonging.
• Collaborate & Grow Professionally: Participate in instructional coaching, feedback, Special Education professional development, and collaboration with colleagues.
• Contribute to Your School Community: Support schoolwide initiatives, which may include student recruitment, tutoring, or other responsibilities. Explore additional responsibilities.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Current teaching license with a Special Education endorsement, or the ability to obtain appropriate Colorado licensure and endorsement by your start date.
• Ability to develop and implement IEPs, provide specialized instruction, and support students with disabilities.
• A strong belief in every student's potential and commitment to educational equity, inclusive practices, and continuous professional growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching students with mild to moderate disabilities in middle or high school settings.
• Experience co-teaching, implementing accommodations and modifications, and collaborating with general education teachers.
• Experience supporting students with diverse academic, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs.
• Strong IEP case management, relationship-building, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including students of color and multilingual learners.

Ready to Make an Impact?

We know exceptional Special Education teachers bring diverse experiences and perspectives. If you're passionate about inclusive instruction and helping students with disabilities thrive, we'd love to learn more about you!

Interested in Special Education but don't yet have the required endorsement? Explore our Special Education Alternative Licensure Pathway, which currently offers tuition assistance to eligible candidates pursuing licensure.

Questions about your qualifications or transferring an out-of-state credential? Contact humancapital@scienceandtech.org. We're excited to connect!

Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at humancapital@scienceandtech.org. We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.

Application Timeline

This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.

For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people

Why Work at DSST?

At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.

DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.