Job: LCES Special Education Teacher

Lake County is located two hours west of Denver in the heart of Colorado's highest peaks at 10,200 feet. There are about 7,000 people in Lake County, and Leadville is the main city. Many adults commute to work in the service industry in nearby ski areas.  We have a strong history of mining, adventure recreation, and outdoor enthusiasm.

We are seeking a special education teacher for grades K-5 for the 2026-2027 school year.

Reports To: Building Principal – Lake County Elementary School (LCES) 

Length of Assignment:  TBD (pending negotiations) - current contract year is 179 teacher days; Start in early August and end in early June.

Student Contact Days:  156 (Student Calendar)

Salary:  LCSD Teacher Salary Schedule (pending negotiations) Full benefits provided including PTO, Health, Dental and Vision insurance.   FLSA: Exempt

Primary purpose: To create a flexible special education program and a classroom environment favorable to learning and personal growth for all learners; to establish effective rapport with students; to motivate students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for upper elementary grade education in accordance with each student’s ability; to establish good relationships with parents and other staff members.   Facilitating quantitative assessment to determine potential disabilities, and diligently write Individualized Education Plans which help the learner achieve.  Close monitoring of all special education provisions, laws, and requirements important, as well as Response to Intervention support through our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.  

Duties and Responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to: 

• Strong knowledge of content areas, teaching methods, learning styles and educational research related to learners with all types of special needs.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers on implementation of IEP for all learners on caseload.
• Strong classroom management, communication, organization and planning skills.
• Conduct all assessments required with determining student special education eligibility.
• Evaluate students’ academic growth through ongoing progress monitoring, keep accurate records to create IEPs, and prepare progress reports
• Work closely with parents and families, at least to the minimum of the laws, to ensure excellent communication and clarity around student plans.
• Communicate with parents through conferences and other means to discuss students’ progress and interpret the school program. 
• Demonstrate knowledge in literacy and numeracy intervention programs.
• Create engaging lessons and assessments for learners according to curricula requirements and student needs.
• Provide differentiated instruction based on linguistic, academic, and social-emotional needs and provide comprehensible instruction for all students.
• Identify student needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude, and learning problems.  
• Create an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers. 
• Develop strong relationships with each student to foster a sense of Crew based on mutual trust and respect.
• Adhere to the LCES Common Content Expectations and Learning Environment Expectations.
• Maintain compliance with special education laws and regulations.
• Participate cooperatively with the appropriate administrator in the special education teacher evaluation system.
• Supervise students in out-of-classroom activities during the school day, as appropriate. 
• Administer interim assessments, standardized tests, and progress monitor in accordance with testing programs (NWEA, CMAS, DIBELS)
• Maintain professional competencies by participating in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Professional Development (PD), Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), Staff Meetings, and other collaborative teams for the benefit of the school 
• Participate and collaborate with the MTSS process, prior to special education recommendation. 
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree of related subject from accredited university 
• Current Colorado teaching certificate with special education endorsement or actively enrolled in alternative licensure program 
• Demonstrated competency in the classroom
• Strong interpersonal skills and computer proficiency
• Experience with students who are Multilingual is preferred