Job Description** Applications will be received until
July 27, 2026. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. **
About this job:The Special Education Specialist is responsible for improving student achievement by providing individualized support to schools, leading professional learning communities for teacher leaders and school leaders, designing and leading district professional learning for teachers and partnering with Directors of Schools. Supports effective specialized instruction, infusing District vision for Culturally Responsive Education (CRE). Advises schools around all legal requirements related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
What You\'ll Do: - Plans and facilitates professional development for schools on effective specialized instruction and inclusion, providing school staff with coaching and advice around curricular materials so that they are able to offer best first instruction and standards-aligned specialized instruction
- Provides consultation, support, and direction to schools and special education teams so that they can meet all school-level Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) expectations and challenges and effectively manage special education services in support of the academic growth of students with disabilities; elevates school-level concerns, ensuring awareness around possible issues with implementation of IDEA that could result in legal risks, as well as ensuring school teams are following all district policies and processes surrounding special education.
- In partnership with the academics team, develops and facilitates cycles of related professional learning for the District and its school teams to ensure schools meet measurable student outcomes tied to district priorities, such as rigorous standards-based instruction, culturally responsive teaching, instructional systems and data-driven instruction
- Analyzes district local assessment data and classroom observations and uses it to inform school support
- Works collaboratively on a team to achieve actionable and observable results at the student level; contributes to a strong team culture grounded in district values and a commitment to excellence and service to schools
- In collaboration with the multilingual education team, develops professional learning and coaching opportunities for teachers and leaders on best practices for supporting the achievement of multilingual learners
- Supports with district special education curriculum adoption and implementation
- Other duties as assigned
What You\'ll Need:- Bachelor\'s Degree in Bachelor\'s Degree in Special Education or related field is required
- Four (4+) years teaching experience in relevant subject area is required
- At least two (2+) years of experience in coaching other teachers is required
- Master\'s Degree in Special Education or related field is preferred
- Special Education Teacher or Related Services CDE License is required
- Valid driver\'s license, appropriate insurance is required
- Clean driving record for the past three (3) years is required
- Knowledge with Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail)
- Effective time management and organizational skills
- Skilled at providing professional development and coaching for adult learners
- Effective communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Effectively handles multiple demands and competing deadlines
- Works collaboratively with others on a team
- Aptitude for variety and changing expectations and fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of effective specialized instruction
- Ability to travel to sites throughout the District is required
- Understanding of IDEA and all current laws/court decisions related to special education is required
- 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.
