Specialist, Special Education
Denver Public Schools · Denver
** Applications will be received until October 23, 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 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:
- 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
- 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 in Special Education or related field is required;
- Master's Degree in Special Education or related field is preferred
- Four (4+) years teaching experience in Special Education or relevant subject area with at least two (2+) years of experience in coaching other teachers is required
- Special Education Teacher or Related Services License with the Colorado Department of Education is required;
- Director of Special Education license is preferred
- Knowledge with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel and Outlook
- 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
- Valid driver's license, appropriate insurance, and clean driving record for the past three (3) years
- 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
With 193 schools, over 89,000 students and over 10,000 staff members, Denver Public Schools is the largest urban school district in Colorado. 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. Visit the Denver Public Schools website for more information.
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).
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