Denver Public Schools·Denver, Colorado
The teacher will manage a self-contained classroom for students with autism spectrum disorders, developing and executing individualized lesson plans and IEPs. They will also collaborate with staff to support the academic, social-emotional, and adaptive behavior needs of students.
This is a temporary one-year only assignment for the 2026-2027 SY. Teaches and manages a self-contained classroom for students with autism spectrum disorders whose educational needs center on development of academics, social-emotional, and adaptive behavior skills.
A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
Competitive Teacher Compensation and Procomp Incentive plan, click here [https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4086/Talent/9149a4f3-0272-487c-ac07-4895b92f48c1/26-27-DCTA-Step-and-Grade-Schedule-Effective-8-1-2026.pdf?disposition=inline] for the DCTA Teacher and SSP Salary Schedule. Click here [http://thecommons.dpsk12.org/Page/3200] for more information on compensation for these roles.
Please note: You must submit all relevant documentation via onboarding before the deadline (15 days after receiving your offer letter) for salary setting purposes.
In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off [http://thecommons.dpsk12.org/Page/1129], health and wellness benefits [http://thecommons.dpsk12.org/Page/1397], and PERA Retirement [http://thecommons.dpsk12.org/retire].
Assesses and develops inclusive settings with typical peers to support educational, behavioral, social-emotional, physical, and daily living needs of students throughout the school day; collaborates and integrates the medical, educational, and psychological needs of the students
Supervises and assigns duties to classroom paraprofessionals and hospital volunteer support
Attends hospital orientation and other staff training as required
Develops and executes individualized lesson plans in all subject areas, providing for direct instruction while maintaining a focus on District standards and benchmarks; prepares lesson plans and materials according to curriculum guidelines, adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
Administers and interprets both formal and informal individualized educational assessments; develops and maintains Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for identified students; 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
Establishes and communicates clear objectives to students 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
Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required. A Master's Degree is only required for Concurrent Enrollment positions.
Have a valid Colorado Department of Education [https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeprof/licensure_authorization_landing] (CDE) teaching license. Click here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/15L2dOj5BW_ZOc-FZDn0lcT1N2AnHkqD0/view?usp=drive_link] for additional information regarding specific requirements and qualifications for the various subject areas (DPS does accept a CDE Application Receipt for 90 days.)
Current Colorado Department of Education Teachers License with endorsement in Special Education Early Childhood Special Education OR qualify for Alternative License and passing score on the PLACE or Praxis II
ELA-S Only (teaching in both Spanish and English) positions, candidates are required to take the Spanish language proficiency (SLP) exam, proctored by Berlitz Testing. Click here [http://thecommons.dpsk12.org/Page/2460] for more information. Additionally, if a teacher has taken, or choses to take, the
Praxis
II -
Spanish: World Language 5195 exam, it will also work at DPS as an appropriate SLP exam, as long as the candidate scores 163 or higher on the Praxis II (#5195) [https://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials/5195] exam.
ELA-S
Only: Must be Bilingual in Spanish and English Required.
Experience working with young special needs students and their parents preferred.
Experience working with young special needs children who represent the diversity of the District school community is preferred.
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.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field and possess a valid Colorado Department of Education teaching license with a Special Education endorsement. Experience working with young students with special needs and their families is preferred.
Market context
Colorado classroom teacher roles are typically in steady demand, especially in districts and programs that need educators who can meet licensure, safety, and student-support requirements. These roles are competitive because schools often look for candidates with current credentials, classroom experience, and the ability to complete required certifications quickly; this platform’s AI-summarized job requirements and benefits help you review the original posting faster and save research time. Before applying, confirm your certification timeline and gather proof of background-check readiness and any required training.