Middle School Science Teacher (Grades 6, 7, 8)
Garfield County School District 16
Job Description: Job Title: Middle School Special Education Teacher (Grades 6, 7, 8)
Department/Location: Grand Valley Middle School
Job Family: Certified Licensed
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Work Calendar: Teacher
Pay Range: T Salary Schedule: $45,000.00 - $84,112.00
Reports To: Building Principal
Supervises: Students
Job ID#: 1495
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Middle School Special Education Teacher supports students with disabilities in grades 6–8 by providing specially designed instruction aligned to students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS). This position serves students with a range of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs and ensures access to grade-level curriculum in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies within a middle school setting. Services may be delivered through co-teaching, push-in support, pull-out small group instruction, consultation models, and structured classroom settings, based on student needs and district programming. The Special Education Teacher supports students' academic achievement, executive functioning, social-emotional development, behavioral growth, and transition readiness while promoting inclusion, equity, and student independence. The teacher collaborates with families, paraprofessionals, general education teachers, and related service providers to ensure coordinated supports that promote student growth across academic, behavioral, and functional domains.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Specially Designed Instruction & Student Learning
• Provide specially designed instruction aligned to students' IEP goals and the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS).
• Adapt, modify, and scaffold grade-level curriculum in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies to ensure student access and progress.
• Deliver services through co-teaching, push-in support, pull-out small group instruction, consultation models, and structured classroom settings as determined by student needs.
• Implement evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions to address academic skill gaps.
• Provide direct instruction in executive functioning skills, organization, study strategies, and self-advocacy appropriate for a middle school setting.
• Support students in developing transition readiness skills, including goal-setting, independence, and preparation for high school expectations.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology as outlined in student IEPs.
• Monitor and document student progress toward IEP goals using formative and summative data.
• Adjust instruction based on ongoing assessment and progress monitoring results.
• Administer and analyze language proficiency data, including ACCESS for ELLs results and local measures, to monitor progress and inform instruction.
• Support student reclassification and ongoing monitoring in accordance with district and state guidelines.
• Implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and behavior support plans as required.
IEP Development, Case Management & Compliance
• Serve as case manager for assigned students and ensure development, implementation, and annual review of IEPs in compliance with IDEA and Colorado Special Education Rules.
• Facilitate IEP meetings and collaborate with families and school staff to develop measurable goals aligned to student needs.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including IEPs, progress reports, evaluation data, service logs, and compliance records.
• Support development and implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) when required.
• Ensure accommodations, modifications, and behavioral supports are implemented with fidelity.
• Participate in evaluation, re-evaluation, and transition planning processes in accordance with required timelines and procedures.
Classroom Environment, Safety & Student Well-Being
• Establish and maintain an orderly, inclusive learning environment that supports academic engagement and behavioral growth.
• Implement proactive classroom management strategies and positive behavior supports aligned with student needs and school expectations.
• Supervise students to ensure safety during instruction, transitions, lunch, field trips, and school-sponsored activities.
• Support implementation of student safety plans and behavior support plans as required.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.
Collaboration & Content Access Support
• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure students with disabilities can access grade-level instruction aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards.
• Support implementation of accommodations, modifications, and classroom supports across content areas.
• Participate in PLCs, grade-level team meetings, MTSS processes, and data review meetings to support student growth.
• Coordinate services with related service providers, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, counselors, and other specialists.
• Supervise and collaborate with paraprofessionals to ensure consistent implementation of instructional and behavioral supports.
• Support students who may receive additional services (e.g., ELD, intervention) to ensure coordinated programming.
Student Support, Advocacy & Family Communication
• Build positive, supportive relationships that promote student confidence, independence, and engagement.
• Support students in developing social-emotional skills and appropriate peer interactions.
• Promote inclusion and equitable access to school programs, services, and extracurricular opportunities.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents/guardians regarding student progress, programming, and supports.
• Participate in IEP meetings, family conferences, and collaborative planning meetings as required.
Professional Responsibilities & Compliance
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, family, and staff information.
• Comply with all applicable federal and Colorado laws, Board of Education policies, and district procedures.
• Demonstrate consistent, punctual attendance and fulfill contractual obligations.
• Utilize district technology systems in accordance with district policy.
• Participate in professional development related to special education, adolescent development, inclusive practices, and compliance requirements.
• Successfully complete annual district-required training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and implement de-escalation and crisis response strategies in accordance with district procedures and student safety plans.
• Protect and care for district property, instructional materials, and assistive technology.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of IDEA and Colorado Special Education Rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS) and ability to align specially designed instruction to grade-level expectations.
• Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices and interventions for students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of executive functioning supports, transition planning, and positive behavior supports.
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor IEPs and related documentation.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and apply academic and behavioral data to guide instruction.
• Ability to deliver instruction through multiple service delivery models, including co-teaching and small group support.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with families, teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and related service providers.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic middle school environment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with completion of an approved teacher licensure program.
• Valid Colorado Teaching License with an appropriate Special Education endorsement as recognized by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Previous teaching experience in a middle school special education setting.
• Experience with co-teaching and inclusive instructional models.
• Experience implementing structured literacy and mathematics interventions.
• Experience developing and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Experience working within MTSS frameworks.
• Experience supervising paraprofessionals.
• Multilingual skills.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
• Physical ability to perform essential job functions, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, and occasional lifting.
• Work occurs in multiple instructional settings including general education classrooms, small-group instructional spaces, and structured support environments.
• May require implementation of CPI-trained de-escalation strategies and participation in crisis response procedures consistent with district policy.
• Frequent collaboration with staff and communication with families.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not exhaustive and may change as needed. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change by the district.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, Garfield County School District No.16 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, family composition, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Harassment, if it rises to the level described in state law, is a prohibited form of discrimination.