INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST, SPECIAL EDUCATION
Apply NowCompany: Denver Public Schools
Location: Denver, CO 80219
Description:
Job Description
** Applications will be received until [specific date]. 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 Instructional Specialist for Early Childhood will be responsible for improving student achievement by providing individualized support to schools, implementing coaching cycles for preschool center-program teachers (ECSEs), designing and leading district professional learning for teachers and school leaders with regards to special education practice and process, and supporting schools with the implementation of special education processes in alignment with district policy. 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 DPS Offers You:
What You'll Do:
Work closely with preschool teachers to support the implementation of best practices for special education, including strategies for children with autism, and other developmental delays. Model and guide effective classroom management strategies, including proactive behavior management techniques and creating a structured environment with clear routines that fosters student engagement. Ensure preschool classrooms are set up to support students with disabilities through accommodations (e.g., visual schedules, sensory breaks, assistive technology) and modifications (e.g., adjusted work, visual supports, simplified language).
Plans and facilitates professional development for schools on effective specialized instruction and inclusion, providing school staff with coaching and advice around curricular materials and universal supports so that they are able to offer best first instruction and standards-aligned specialized instruction
Provides direct coaching, 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
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
Facilitates learning cycles across schools, including collaboratively setting learning goals, engaging in observations and coaching participants
Models exemplar culturally sustaining practices for teacher leaders, such as instructional planning at the unit and lesson level, data meetings and feedback conversations
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 curriculum adoption and implementation
Other duties as assigned
What You'll Need:
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
About Us
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.
** Applications will be received until [specific date]. 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 Instructional Specialist for Early Childhood will be responsible for improving student achievement by providing individualized support to schools, implementing coaching cycles for preschool center-program teachers (ECSEs), designing and leading district professional learning for teachers and school leaders with regards to special education practice and process, and supporting schools with the implementation of special education processes in alignment with district policy. 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 DPS Offers You:
- A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
- Salary Range $73,579 -$88,296. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
- In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.
What You'll Do:
Work closely with preschool teachers to support the implementation of best practices for special education, including strategies for children with autism, and other developmental delays. Model and guide effective classroom management strategies, including proactive behavior management techniques and creating a structured environment with clear routines that fosters student engagement. Ensure preschool classrooms are set up to support students with disabilities through accommodations (e.g., visual schedules, sensory breaks, assistive technology) and modifications (e.g., adjusted work, visual supports, simplified language).
Plans and facilitates professional development for schools on effective specialized instruction and inclusion, providing school staff with coaching and advice around curricular materials and universal supports so that they are able to offer best first instruction and standards-aligned specialized instruction
Provides direct coaching, 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
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
Facilitates learning cycles across schools, including collaboratively setting learning goals, engaging in observations and coaching participants
Models exemplar culturally sustaining practices for teacher leaders, such as instructional planning at the unit and lesson level, data meetings and feedback conversations
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 curriculum adoption and implementation
Other duties as assigned
What You'll Need:
- Bachelor's Degree (Special Education or related) - Required
- Master's Degree - Preferred
- Must have ECSE or SSP (SLP, OT, PT, etc) license that covers ages 3-5. Teaching (or co-teaching as an SSP), experience - Required
- Three (3) or moreyears teaching or co-teaching experience in relevant subject area - Required
- Expertise in universal classroom supports, and optimization of the classroom environment for students with disabilities - Required
- Bilingual - Preferred
- Special Education Teacher or Related Services License; Valid driver's license, appropriate insurance, and clean driving record for the past three (3) years - Required
- Knowledge of Google Suite products including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms
- Effective time management and organizational skills
- Skilled at providing professional development and structured 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
- High level of initiative and independence to complete projects and assignments
- Aptitude for variety and changing expectations and fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of effective specialized instruction
- Ability to travel to sites throughout the District
- Understanding of IDEA and all current laws/court decisions related to special education
- 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
About Us
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.