Teacher- Secondary Special Education

https://csdb.colorado.gov/

The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) is accepting applications for a Special Education Teacher within the School for the Blind.

This full-time position reports to the Principal, School for the Blind, and provides standards-based instruction to middle school and high school learners who are blind or visually impaired and have multiple disabilities.

The Special Education Teacher uses Colorado Academic Standards and access skills to establish instructional goals, and provides assessments that monitor learner progress in a safe and civil school environment. The position works collaboratively with families, educators, related service providers, and other members of the educational team to support learners’ academic, functional, social-emotional, and independent living development.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver standards-based instruction based on Colorado Academic Standards, access skills, and learners’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Prepare lesson plans, adapt instructional materials, and present daily instructional and learning activities under the direction of the Principal, School for the Blind.
• Maintain a positive learning environment using appropriate positive behavior support strategies, and keep learners on task and engaged.
• Develop and use accommodations for learners who are visually impaired and have additional disabilities, including in the areas of task analysis, assessment, progress monitoring, daily living skills, behavior management, organization and planning, and curriculum development.
• Apply current technology practices for learners with vision loss, and use technology to model, teach, and assist learners in instruction and activities.
• Incorporate project-based and technology-based learning into instruction.
• Organize the instructional environment for collaborative group work, and work effectively in co-teaching teams.
• Participate as a member of education and assessment teams responsible for identifying, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating individual objectives for assigned learners.
• Understand and support learners’ social-emotional development, and serve as an advocate for assigned learners.
• Coordinate with other service staff in facilitating instruction, supporting school improvement efforts and strategic planning, and contributing to co-curricular activities.
• Provide consultation to staff members who instruct or interact with learners with multiple disabilities.
• Provide parent consultation and participate in selected parent-focused activities.
• Positively serve as a team member in the School for the Blind, and of CSDB as a whole; participate in team, departmental, school, and instructional meetings as required.
• Seek out and participate in professional development, training, and workshops as appropriate.
• Perform other appropriate duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Special Education or a closely related field from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Must hold or be eligible for appropriate Colorado educator licensure, endorsed as a Special Education Generalist or Special Education Specialist.
• Experience teaching or working with children who have multiple disabilities in an educational environment.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the Novice (0+) skill level, or demonstrate commitment to work toward that level, through an appropriate assessment tool and in accordance with CSDB policy and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to applicants who possess:

• Knowledge of and experience working with students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Experience with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for learners with visual impairments.
• Experience teaching middle school or high school learners with multiple disabilities.
• Experience developing and implementing IEPs.
• Experience with assistive technology for learners who are blind or visually impaired and/or have multiple disabilities.
• Experience working in co-teaching or multidisciplinary team environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of and ability to apply current standards-based educational practices for learners who have multiple disabilities in a variety of settings.
• Knowledge of appropriate curriculum for learners with multiple disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum for learners with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities.
• Ability to adapt and apply teaching skills, classroom management, and lesson preparation in a technology-rich environment, which may include on-site classrooms, telepresence, and distance education technologies.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement current technologies used by learners who have multiple disabilities and/or are blind or visually impaired.
• Ability to use a variety of computer applications, including email, word processing, electronic calendars, presentations, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Ability and willingness to stay current and develop technology skills as needed.
• Ability to establish high standards for what learners must know and be able to do.
• Ability to receive and respond positively to feedback.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as a member of a team.
• Strong, positive interpersonal skills.

Terms of Employment

• Position: Special Education Teacher
• Position Number: 21702
• Department: School for the Blind
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Work Year: Academic-year position, based on the established CSDB School Calendar (currently 195 days, August to June)
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Supervisor: Principal, School for the Blind
• Salary: Annual base salary is established pursuant to the applicable Teacher Salary Schedule and is based on qualifying education and experience.
• Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed, or implied contract.

Conditions of Employment

• Selected applicants must successfully complete all required pre-employment processes and background checks.
• The successful candidate must maintain all required educator licenses and endorsements for the duration of employment.
• The successful candidate must meet CSDB’s required American Sign Language proficiency standard in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
• The position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Work with middle and high school learners with multiple disabilities involves very heavy physical activity, including occasionally exerting more than 100 lbs. of force and frequently providing physical assistance and support to students. Work also requires walking or standing to a significant degree, climbing stairs, bending, reaching, and handling objects.

• Medical and Dental plans
• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Wellness programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system