Special Education - Autism Teacher, Florida Mesa Elementary,1.0 FTE bei Durango School District 9-R

Durango School District 9-R is accepting applications for a Specialized Program - Special Education - Autism Teacher at Florida Mesa Elementary School.

The specialized program for Autism focuses on building functional communication, social interaction, foundational academics, and adaptive skills throughout the school day.  The program provides comprehensive, small-group direct instruction for each student to reach their goals. Students also have the opportunity to participate in meaningful, inclusive learning activities to the extent that is appropriate for each individual student.

Durango School District will support candidates who are interested in this position in post-BA coursework at Fort Lewis College to obtain education and CO teacher licensing in special education.  Durango School Sistrict will support tuition assistance at Fort Lewis College for a candidate who is eligible to hold an alternative teaching license in special education, while enrolled and completing coursework at Fort Lewis College concurrent with working in this position.  This tuition-free agreement is in exchange for a minimum two-year commitment to Durango School District as a special education teacher.  In order to be eligible for this option, a candidate must hold a minimum of a BA degree.

Tuition assistance is also available to a candidate who already holds a CO teaching license and would take additional coursework at Fort Lewis College to add the special education endorsement to their CO teahcing license.

Candidates must meet CDE and ESSA's requirements for In-Field Teacher status in Special Education or be employed in the position under the above tuition exchange program terms with an alternaitve CO special education teaching license.

Job Title: Licensed Special Education Teacher 

Pay Grade: Licensed Salary Schedule

Job Family: Licensed Staff                            

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: School                                     

Prepared Date: 04/05/23; 09/2025

Typical Work Year: 10 months

SUMMARY: Develop accommodations and curriculum modifications, develop standards aligned IEPs and ensure fidelity of their implementation. In collaboration with the autism program team, plan and deliver specialized instruction and assessment aligned with District learner outcomes and State achievement standards. Supervise assigned students and maintain a positive learning environment. For students who are receiving services in general education settings, collaborate with the general education teachers to support planning and delivering specialized instruction.  Responsible to actively progress monitor student goals. Work with general education staff to provide direct and indirect support and adapt instruction to meet the individual learning needs of all students resulting in an increased probability of advancing their achievement. Maintain positive inter-personal relationships with students, parents, staff and community members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work with the IEP Team to develop and implement students' Individualized Education Plans (IEP's).  Monitor the goals and outcomes of the IEP and maintain communication with families and the rest of the IEP Team regarding the progress on the IEP.

• Work with the school administrative team and the autism team, and designated service providers to develop schedules for students on the caseload.

• Effectively use case management strategies to support student outcomes based the adopted curricula for assigned grades and subjects so that students attain adopted grade/course expectations and standards. Collaborate with general education teachers to modify and tailor the curriculum as necessary to address individual student differences, learning styles, functional educational levels and student abilities. Strong knowledge of content areas, literacy and numeracy intervention programs, teaching methods, learning styles and educational research related to learners with all types of special needs.

• Work with assigned paraprofessionals to train and support them in assisting students.  Assist in developing the schedules for paraprofessionals to assist students in the school setting as needed.

• Utilize formative and summative assessments to assess the learning, achievement, and performance of each student and report the results as required by District Policy and school procedures. Knowledge of both formal and informal diagnostic special education assessments.

• Model, promote, and as situations arise, take the opportunity to provide instruction related to character education including citizenship and responsible behavior (respect for self, other and property), bullying prevention, conflict resolution skills, and responsible work habits and ethics.

• Provide safety instruction for students when the subject, activities, chemicals, product, tools and/or equipment pose possible harm or injury to students including use of personal protective devices (protective eye devices, safe clothing) and assure that students adhere to safety requirements.

• Maintain an orderly, positive learning environment free from disruptive behavior by implementing proactive classroom management strategies and enforcing the Student Conduct Code. Supervise students to minimize any possibility of violent behavior and to minimize potential accidents.

• Maintain an ongoing relationship with families for the purposes of sharing information regarding the student's educational program and assisting the family in cooperatively improving the student's home and school relationship.  Develops and promotes good relations among the school community: parents, staff, administration and other community members.

• When determined necessary, work with the IEP Team to develop behavior support plans, health plans, safety plans, and/or crisis plans.

• When deemed necessary by the caseload, assist students in performing daily routines, including getting to and from class and bus stops, using toilets, diapering, feeding, medical needs and personal hygiene, including working with trach, feeding tubes, and catheterization.

• Be familiar with and abide by all applicable Federal and Colorado laws and regulations; Board of Education policies and District Regulations, as amended from time to time; school procedures that relate to employment with the District. 

• Perform other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Assure the safety and welfare of students including necessary actions to insure that students are supervised at all times.
• Demonstrate faithfulness and promptness in attendance at work.
• Submit required reports promptly at the times specified.
• Demonstrate care of and protection of School District property
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.
• Use the District’s internet and E-mail system as specified in Policy.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent or their designees.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:  Minimum: Bachelor’s degree of related subject from accredited university.

EXPERIENCE:  Experience working with students who have Individualized Education Plans and specialized instruction is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS:  Colorado Teaching License with endorsements for the levels and subject areas teaching.  Meet CDE and ESSA requirements for In-Field Teacher.  Complete CPI training upon hire.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal relations and oral and written communication skills.
• Effective understanding of the IEP writing process including standards alignment of the IEP
• Ability to develop and implement appropriate progress monitoring tools to assess student progress toward goals.
• Strong decision making, analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with students with diverse needs at various levels.
• Ability to develop and implement accommodations and modifications that facilitate student mastery of the Colorado

Academic Standards.

• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Ability to promote and follow Board and District policies, Superintendent policies and building/department procedures.
• Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively in a team setting
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE:

• Microcomputers and general office equipment.
• IEP software.
• Microsoft Office applications.
• Student Information Systems.

Durango School District 9-R is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Laura Galido, Compliance Officer, Durango School District 9-R, 281 Sawyer Drive, Durango, CO 81303, (970) 247-5411, [email protected], or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Spear Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, (303) 844-5695.