The Role
Supports districtwide special education programs by coaching schools, advising leaders and educators on IDEA compliance, transition planning, behavioral practices, FAPE, IEP implementation, and specialized instruction. Analyzes student and assessment data, facilitates professional learning and coaching cycles, supports curriculum implementation, and develops strategies to improve graduation and postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities.
Summary Generated by Built In
** Applications will be received until October 7, 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, designing and leading district special education professional learning for educators and partnering with Directors of Schools. Supports districtwide special education programs, services, specialized instruction, and 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: $76,211 - $91,454 Annually. 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:
- Partners with secondary school leaders, special education teams, counselors, and district partners to improve graduation outcomes for students with disabilities, including supporting appropriate course progression, On Track to Graduate (OTG) practices, scheduling, transition planning, and access to pathways leading to graduation and postsecondary success.
- Supports secondary schools in the implementation of Indicator 13 (I-13) requirements and transition planning practices, providing coaching and consultation to ensure IEPs include compliant, meaningful, and individualized postsecondary goals, transition services, and courses of study aligned with students’ identified postsecondary outcomes.
- Develops and maintains a strong working knowledge of DPS graduation requirements and pathways and provides consultation to schools regarding the intersection of graduation requirements, course of study, IEP implementation, transition planning, and individualized student needs.
- Provides consultation, coaching, and professional learning related to student behavior, disciplinary removals, and Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) to support legally compliant practices, appropriate implementation of IDEA procedural safeguards, and proactive behavioral supports for students with disabilities.
- Plans and facilitates professional development for schools on effective practices for the implementation of FAPE, providing school staff with coaching and advice 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
- In partnership with the Academics team, analyzes data to support development of school-specific strategies that align with rigorous standards-based instruction, culturally responsive teaching, instructional systems and data-driven instruction to improve student outcomes
- 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 Academic teams, develops professional learning and coaching opportunities for teachers and leaders on best practices for supporting students with disabilities
- Supports with district curriculum adoption and implementation
- Other duties as assigned
What You’ll Need:
- Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or related Bachelor's Degree is required;
- Master's Degree preferred
- Four (4+) years teaching experience in relevant subject area with at least two years of experience in coaching other teachers is required
- Active Colorado Department of Education Special Education Teacher or Related Services License is required
- Valid driver's license, appropriate insurance, and clean driving record for the past three (3) years
- 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
- 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 UsDenver 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field
- Master's degree
- Four or more years of teaching experience in a relevant subject area
- At least two years of experience coaching other teachers
- Active Colorado Department of Education Special Education Teacher or Related Services License
- Valid driver's license, appropriate insurance, and clean driving record for the past three years
- Effective time management and organizational skills
- Professional development and adult learner coaching skills
- Effective communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to handle multiple demands and competing deadlines
- Ability to work collaboratively on a team
- Adaptability in a fast-paced environment with changing expectations
- Knowledge of effective specialized instruction
- Ability to travel to sites throughout the district
- Understanding of IDEA and current special education laws and court decisions
- Commitment to racial and educational equity and dismantling systems of oppression
- Permanent home address in Colorado while working for the district
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the position with or without accommodations
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The Company
What We Do
The mission of Denver Public Schools is to provide all students the opportunity to achieve the knowledge and skills necessary to become contributing citizens in our diverse society. In DPS, we’re focused on building a system that’s designed to help every student thrive. We’re re-focusing our efforts where they matter most: on creating classrooms that are vibrant centers of learning, where caring teachers are engaging their students in rigorous, culturally responsive experiences in order to lift all students toward a bright horizon. In the last ten years, DPS has experienced unprecedented growth and an expansion of programs. Building on the strong progress we’ve made, we want to continue transforming DPS into a school district grounded in equity. This districtwide focus on equity will be embedded in everything we do, so that we can help break historical patterns and become a school district that is designed to inspire every student to dream big and make their own future. View all of our current career openings here: https://careers.dpsk12.org/
