Job Description

**Applications for this position must be submitted by August 13, 2026 to ensure full consideration. If a candidate is not identified through our initial review process, we will continue to review applications received after this date. Even if this specific position is filled, we may consider your application for other exciting opportunities with DPS. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting our job board at careers.dpsk12.org**

About this job:

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.

What DPS Offers You:

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Click here for the DCTA Teacher and SSP Salary Schedule. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles. The salary listed reflects the 2025–2026 school year. Salaries for the 2026–2027 school year are typically finalized and released mid-summer, with an effective date of August 1. If any updates or adjustments are made once the new salary schedule is finalized, all impacted individuals will receive the updated salary.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits - English Version or Health and Wellness Benefits - Spanish Version , and PERA Retirement For additional information visit our New Employee Resources page.
• This position is represented by an employee association (bargaining unit). Please see the Employee Associations Page for the current master agreement and important documents associated with your bargaining unit.

What You'll Do:

• 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
• 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
• Provides daily living (e.g. toileting, diapering, feeding, personal hygiene) following universal precautions and as trained and directed; operates, monitors, and performs maintenance of adaptive technology and equipment; and lifts and transports students using appropriate equipment and lifting technique
• May participate in extra-duty activities as outlined in the teachers' collective bargaining agreement (this is for coaching, tutoring, or summer programs, etc. for Dept. of Labor laws).

What You’ll Need:

• 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
• Must comply with ECE program rules, regulations and State of Colorado licensing requirements for Child Care Centers, including re-fingerprinting, a child abuse and neglect background check, and annual training.
• 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.