Special Education Teacher Center Lead

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 [email protected]. We're excited to learn more about you throughout the hiring process!

POSITION: Special Education Teacher – Center Lead | 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: $64,000–$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.

Lead with Purpose. Build Independence. Help Every Student Thrive.

At DSST Public Schools, we believe every student deserves an exceptional education that recognizes their strengths, celebrates their progress, and prepares them for their most ambitious future.

As a Center Lead Special Education Teacher, you'll lead specialized instruction and IEP case management for students with diverse and significant learning needs. You'll develop individualized academic, behavioral, communication, and life-skills instruction while supervising paraprofessionals and collaborating closely with families, general education teachers, and related service providers.

Why Lead a Center Program at DSST?

• Inclusion Is a Shared Commitment: At DSST, inclusion is a value we put into action across every school. Special Education teachers partner with general education colleagues and school leaders to ensure students with disabilities are known, valued, and meaningfully included in their school communities.
• Lead a Collaborative Support Team: Supervise and develop paraprofessionals while working alongside families, service providers, and general education teachers to coordinate individualized student supports.
• Receive Specialized Coaching & Support: Benefit from instructional coaching, Special Education-specific professional development, and opportunities to collaborate with SpEd educators across DSST.

Our Center Programs

DSST offers specialized Center Programs serving students with a range of disabilities and support needs. Teaching assignments vary by program and campus.

• Cross-Categorical: Grade-level academic instruction, executive functioning, and personal development for students with a variety of disabilities.
• Affective Needs: Individualized academic and social-emotional instruction for students with significant social, emotional, or behavioral support needs.
• Multi-Intensive: Functional academics, adaptive skills, vocational development, and independence for students with intellectual disabilities.
• Autism Center: Individualized instruction and behavioral supports, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies, to develop communication, learning, and independence.
• Multi-Intensive Severe: Functional communication, self-care, and independence-focused instruction for students with multiple disabilities and extensive support needs.
• 18–21 Transition: Community-based instruction, vocational skills, employment preparation, and independent living support for young adults with disabilities.

Our Talent Team will discuss available Center Program assignments, campus locations, and your preferences during the hiring process.

See Special Education in Action at DSST!

• Day in the Life: Multi-Intensive Center Program: Get a firsthand look at how DSST educators support students in developing academic and independent living skills.
• Day in the Life: Autism Center Program: Explore individualized instruction and student supports in one of DSST's Autism Centers.
• Learn More About Special Education at DSST: Discover our continuum of services, specialized professional development, and commitment to inclusion.

What You'll Do

• Lead Individualized Instruction: Plan and deliver specialized academic, behavioral, communication, and life-skills instruction aligned with student IEPs and program needs.
• Manage Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Develop data-driven IEPs, establish goals, monitor progress, and coordinate appropriate services and supports.
• Lead & Develop Paraprofessionals: Supervise, coach, and coordinate a team of paraprofessionals to ensure consistent, high-quality student support.
• Promote Student Independence & Access: Implement individualized accommodations, modifications, behavior supports, and instructional strategies that help students build skills and participate meaningfully in school.
• Monitor Student Growth: Use assessments, student work, IEP data, and individualized progress monitoring to adapt instruction and celebrate achievement.
• Collaborate with Families & Support Teams: Partner with general education teachers, related service providers, and families to support students' academic, behavioral, and developmental needs.
• Build a Positive Classroom Culture: Create a welcoming, structured, and affirming learning environment where every student feels known, supported, and challenged.
• Grow & Contribute to Your School Community: Participate in instructional coaching, professional development, and 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 ourQuantum 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.