Special Education Teacher - Grades 6-12

SECONDARY SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER (6-12)

About Lotus School for Excellence:

Lotus School for Excellence is a K-12, college-prep public charter school with a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) focus.

All employees at Lotus School for Excellence (LSE) work together to create academic, social, and ethical leaders. The thoughts reflected in this description provide structure to the responsibilities and accountability for this position. However, LSE expects to employ professionals who will work beyond job descriptions, creating both a fulfilling career environment and successful outcomes for our students.

Position Summary:

The Secondary Special Education teacher will provide the special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned. Create exceptional outcomes and opportunities for 6-12 students in collaboration with interventionists and classroom teachers under the direction of the Secondary Assistant Principal.

Must Haves:

• A strong passion for diverse populations.
• Culturally responsive teaching aptitude for planning rich learning opportunities with student needs, interests, and readiness in mind.
• Data-driven approach. You use data to make instructional moves that improve or enhance student learning.
• Experience with diverse populations and Title One schools.

Instruction:

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP for each student assigned.
• Collaborate with district partners to ensure students receive services as scheduled, to facilitate meetings, and to conduct problem solving meetings as needed.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Plan and supervise assignments for Special Education para.
• Use technology in teaching/learning process.

Culture:

• Establish systems and routines in order to create a safe, purposeful, and welcoming classroom environment focused on learning.
• Communicate regularly and often with families to both solicit their input and share student social and academic progress.
• Provide supervision of students during before and after-school activities (arrival, dismissal, breakfast, lunch, and break).
• Own the success and achievement of all scholars in the school.

Student Growth and Development:

• Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings.
• Participate in regular team meetings and content-based department meetings.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.

Education and Related Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field
• Experience with charter schools
• Previous teaching experience is preferred

Licenses, Registrations or Certification:

• A valid Colorado Teacher License (initial, professional, or alternative) with Special Education Generalist or Specialist endorsement

Condition of Employment

As a condition of employment, the individual selected for this position will be expected to complete the APS-sponsored Linguistically Diverse Educator (LDE) Certificate Program within the first three years of employment. New hires are expected to begin this program during the 2026-2027 school year.

Reports to: Secondary Assistant Principal

Job Type: Full-time (186-day schedule)

Compensation and Benefits:

• $60,000 - $90,000 / year (BOE)
• Participation in CO PERA program, including a PERA 401k contribution option
• Funding of 100% of individual medical benefits and a wide range of insurance plans
• Approximately 9 weeks of summer vacation, 4 weeks of school holidays/vacations, and 8 days of PTO annually

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Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (required)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Teaching Certification (Required)
• Special Education Certification (Required)