Downtown Denver Expeditionary School Hiring for Special Education Teacher (K-5) Job at Denver, CO Full Time

NOW HIRING for 2022-2023
Full-Time Special Education Teacher

Do you crave a diverse learning environment in the city center, made up of a crew that believes in deeper learning, provides coaching and robust professional development for teachers, and takes the learning out of the classroom and into the real world? At DDES, we believe that all students deserve access to appropriately rigorous & engaging learning experiences in which they have the opportunity to participate in meaningful work.

The Downtown Denver Expeditionary School (DDES) is a K-5 public charter school in the portfolio of Denver Public Schools. DDES was founded by a group of parents, community members, and business leaders seeking a high-performing EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) school to serve a diverse range of families who live, work, or learn in downtown Denver. DDES is one of 33 credentialed schools in a national network of more than 150 schools that work together with EL Education to challenge students to think critically and take active roles in their classrooms and communities, resulting in higher achievement and greater engagement in school.

Our Approach

The city is our campus

• Students interact with their community through fieldwork and service-learning
• Students are able to connect their learning to real-world issues and needs
• We invite experts from our surrounding community to deepen instruction

Students are leaders of their own learning:

• Students grapple with real-world problems through multi-subject learning expeditions
• Students produce high-quality work and present their work to authentic audiences
• Students regularly engage in cycles of reflection culminating in Student-Led conferences

We educate the Whole Child

• Social-emotional learning and character development is a core component of our curriculum
• Daily Crew block and closing circle promote meaningful relationships with peers and teachers
• Adventure trips for all grade levels (2-3/year)
• Robust Movement and Art programs
• In-house after-school program with no enrollment caps & financial assistance

We provide the support students need:

• Focus on small classes with additional adult support
• Impactful intervention and special education teams
• Two full-time mental health professionals (psychologist and social worker)
• Auggie the therapy dog onsite each week

Diverse by Design & Anti-Racist practices

• Enrollment priorities are focused on DDES becoming a fully integrated K-5 public school, both racially and

socio-economically

• Culturally responsive curriculum which intentionally includes traditionally marginalized perspectives
• Long-term partnerships with BIPOC professionals to provide expertise within Learning Expedition Units of Study
• Recruitment strategies aimed at diversifying educators to reflect our student population
• “Grow your own” teacher-assistant to teacher pipeline program which aims to train, develop and promote BIPOC educators from within DDES.

Our Culture

Compensation & Benefits

• Innovative and competitive compensation model
• Multiple pathways to salary increases, not solely based on advanced degrees.
• Step and lane system that rewards dedication, commitment, and mastery of knowledge/skills
• Stipended school leadership opportunities ( instructional, operational, and community-based).
• Comprehensive medical and dental plan, 100% paid by DDES
• PERA retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Short Term Disability, 100% paid for by DDES (long-term optional)
• Paid parking and/or commuter cost 100% paid for by DDES
• 10 days paid-time-off available immediately & 25 days paid-vacation/holiday during the school year
• Flexible Savings Account option for medical and childcare coverage
• Vision care & PERA 401k option, PERA life option
• Free on-site aftercare if your child attends DDES.

Professional Growth & Development

• Two-week PD summer institute
• Early release Fridays for weekly PD
• Weekly individual goal-oriented peer coaching
• Autonomy in lesson design and planning
• Pathways to leadership development
• Opportunities for outside PD, EL Education
• Restorative practices training and modeling
• Neurosequential Model in Education training
• Culturally Responsive Classroom training

Teacher Support

• Highly trained and experienced para support
• 60 minute daily planning periods
• No-contact teacher planning days (4/yr)
• Budget for classroom beautification, experts & fieldwork ($1000 total)
• Accolades & regular celebrations of success

Other perks

• Staff celebrations (paid for by DDES) & accolades
• Lounge stocked with snacks, coffee & treats year-round
• Appreciation breakfasts, lunches & dinners
• Regular staff outings and self-care initiatives
• High-quality staff swag
• Macbooks for all staff

Ready to join our Crew?
Here at DDES, we don’t just accept differences — we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our employees, our students, and our community. DDES seeks to recruit persons of diverse backgrounds and support the retention and advancement of black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) within the organization. DDES is inclusive of people regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, marital status, age, physical abilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs, or any other non-merit fact so that all employees feel included, equally valued, and supported.

Position Overview
The special education teacher works with crew leaders, administration, specialists, and other DDES staff to support students with disabilities in a manner that is true to the principles of Expeditionary Learning and the mission and vision of Downtown Denver Expeditionary School. The special education teacher works closely with each crew leader to plan and support the content both inside and outside of expeditions. In addition, the special education teacher supports and collaborates with IEP team members including speech-language, occupational therapy, and mental health support staff.

Ideal candidates

• A commitment to and thirst for continuously improving teaching and school culture through rigorous coaching,

professional development and inquiry

• A professional with strong evidence of implementing effective instructional practices that increase student

learning and growth

• Proven ability to contribute to a high-performing team, along with the ability to have open and honest

conversations

• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion work and creating a culturally responsive classroom
• A passion for deeper learning that aligns with the core principles of EL Education
• The ability to build strong relationships with your students and center family engagement in your practice.

Primary Responsibilities
Teach special education students in an Expeditionary Learning model that provides a continuum of services including individual and small group support, as well as inclusion in the general education classroom.

• Develop IEPs in collaboration with all IEP team members.
• Develop and execute individualized lesson plans in all subject areas.
• Administer and interpret both formal and informal individualized educational assessments.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional methods to meet students’ varying needs and interests.
• Communicate with parents/guardians, crew leaders, specialists, counselors, and administrators to resolve students’

behavioral and academic challenges.

Necessary qualifications:

• Bachelors degree
• Possess a Colorado teaching certificate in Elementary Education with appropriate Special Education

endorsements

• Ability to pass a state, federal, and the Facility Child Abuse and Neglect (TRAILS) criminal background checks

Does it sound like a fit?
DDES engages in a recruiting process that involves initial and secondary phone interviews, in-person interviews, demonstration lessons, group interviews, and background and reference checks.

To initiate the process, please submit a DDES General Application, and we will be in touch soon.

You will need the following in order to complete the application:

• Updated resume
• If available, a 15-minute video of a lesson

o Video of a lesson is not a requirement but helps us understand your teaching style.

• 30 minutes to answer long-form questions

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44,000.00 – $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location