Special Education Teacher

Aurora, CO
Full-Time

About Elevation Ability Services:

Elevation Ability Services is a Colorado Department of Education (CDE) licensed facility school serving students aged 6–14 with developmental disabilities. We support learners with intensive cognitive, behavioral, and academic needs from districts across the Denver Metro and Front Range. Our team is committed to fostering inclusive, individualized educational experiences and supporting each student’s unique potential.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Education Teacher to provide individualized academic instruction, develop and implement IEPs, and lead a team of paraprofessionals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate deep expertise in special education, effective classroom management, and a commitment to fostering positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Familiarity with IEP software and behavior support systems and working collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team of professionals (SLP, OT, LCSW, BCBA) to tailor treatment approaches for individual students.

Key Responsibilities:

Instruction & Curriculum:

• Deliver direct and group instruction aligned with IEP goals in core academic areas, social skills, and independent living.

• Differentiate instruction based on student needs and progress.

• Develop, modify, and implement curriculum and instructional materials tailored to individualized learning goals.

• Utilize and integrate technology (e.g., i-Ready, Reading A-Z, Prodigy, voice-to-text tools) to support learning.

IEP Development & Progress Monitoring:

• Develop and maintain individualized education programs (IEPs) in compliance with state and federal guidelines.

• Conduct formal and informal assessments (e.g., i-Ready, Essentials for Living) to determine baseline data and guide goal-setting.

• Track student progress through consistent data collection; create and submit monthly progress reports.

• Adjust instruction and interventions based on ongoing data analysis.

Behavioral Support & Management:

• Implement student behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and behavior reduction protocols, including data collection procedures.

• Understand and apply principles of Safety-Care and Skill-Based Therapy (SBT) (training provided).

• Collaborate with BCBAs and related staff to proactively address emerging behavioral needs.

Team Collaboration & Supervision:

• Supervise, support, and train paraprofessionals and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).

• Develop team meeting agendas and lead weekly instructional and behavioral discussions.

• Engage in weekly and monthly meetings with BCBAs, supervisors, and parents.

• Ensure paraprofessionals are effectively trained on individual student goals and support needs.

Family & Stakeholder Communication:

• Maintain consistent, professional communication with families, responding to emails within two business days.

• Conduct monthly parent meetings to review student progress.

• Collaborate with related service providers (e.g., speech, OT, BCBA) to ensure IEP alignment.

Classroom Management & Safety:

• Create a safe, inclusive, and structured learning environment.

• Follow Safety-Care protocols for crisis management and student handling.

• Maintain compliance with FERPA and other confidentiality standards.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

• Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, or enrollment in an alternative licensure program.

Licensure:

• Valid Colorado teaching license with an appropriate Special Education endorsement.

• Must have passed the PLACE or Praxis exam or meet Highly Qualified Teacher status through HOUSSE.

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of teaching experience in special education (public or facility school).

• Preferred: 3–5 years of experience working with students aged 0–21 in classroom and 1:1 settings.

• Familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Expertise in special education instructional strategies and individualized curriculum design.

• Skilled in formal and informal assessments, data analysis, and academic interventions.

• Strong classroom management, organization, and leadership skills.

• Effective verbal and written communication with all stakeholders.

• Demonstrated empathy, patience, and cultural competence.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with educational technologies and data management systems.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to assume various postures (kneeling, squatting, crawling, sitting, standing) for extended periods.

• Manual dexterity required for computer and data collection tasks.

• Must have auditory and visual acuity for instruction and supervision.

• Valid Colorado Driver’s License and reliable transportation required.

Required Training (Post-Hire):

• Safety Care Certification within 90 days.

• MANE Training.

• CPR, background checks, and any additional training as assigned.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with performance-based increases

• Paid Time Off

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

• Life Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account (FSA & HSA)

• Simple IRA with up to 3% Employer Match

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development Assistance

• Parental Leave

• Referral Program

Work Schedule:

• Monday–Friday, 8-hour shifts

• In-person at Aurora, CO facility

Reports To:

• Special Education Director

Supervises:

• Paraprofessionals and RBTs

Salary:

•  $60,000-$80,000 annually

To Apply:

Please visit our website at https://elevationcolo.com/ to learn more about us.