Special Education Teacher/Learning Specialist K-8
Heritage Heights Academy
Full job description
This position is for the 2026-2027 school year.
Salary and Benefits Disclosure
Hiring Salary Range (Bachelor's Degree): $65,433 – $70,433 / year (Based on 1–3 years of credited experience)
Hiring Salary Range (Master's Degree): $70,433 – $90,000* / year (Based on 1–3 years of credited experience)
*Lead Teacher / IEP Coordinator High Range: available for qualified applicants taking on leadership responsibilities.
Maximum Experience Credit: Please note that a maximum of three (3) years of prior K-12 teaching experience is credited for initial step placement upon hire.
Benefits Summary:
Full Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) Defined-Benefit Pension
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave aligned with the school academic calendar
Dedicated professional development and collaborative planning time
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: An earned Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution is required. A valid Colorado Special Education Generalist License or appropriate Colorado Department of Education licensure is required. A Master's Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field is preferred. Teachers must be highly qualified and maintain compliance with all applicable federal and state laws governing special education services.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: A minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience, with demonstrated experience providing special education services in a K–8 setting. Experience serving as an IEP Case Manager, collaborating within inclusive educational environments, implementing evidence-based interventions, analyzing student achievement data, and working within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework is preferred. Training and/or experience in Orton-Gillingham or other evidence-based literacy interventions. Five (5) plus years’ experience and experience in a Classical Education and/or Core Knowledge school is highly desirable.
POSITION GOAL: Through a passionate commitment to the success of every child, the Special Education Teacher / Case Manager serves as both an exceptional educator and student advocate by ensuring that students with disabilities receive high-quality specially designed instruction, meaningful access to the Heritage Heights Academy Core Knowledge curriculum, and legally compliant special education services.
The Special Education Teacher / Case Manager works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, administrators, and related service providers to cultivate an educational environment where students are challenged academically, supported emotionally, developed in character, and equipped with the skills necessary to become increasingly independent learners.
This position exists to preserve the dignity and potential of every student while maintaining Heritage Heights Academy's commitment to academic excellence, character development, and faithful implementation of all federal and state special education requirements.
ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Special Education Teacher / Case Manager shall:
Instruction and Student Learning
Purposefully represent Heritage Heights Academy's Vision, Mission, and Core Values at all times.
Provide high-quality specially designed instruction aligned to each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Deliver research-based interventions designed to accelerate academic growth.
Differentiate instruction while maintaining rigorous academic expectations.
Support student access to the Heritage Heights Academy Core Knowledge curriculum whenever appropriate.
Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
Foster student independence, resilience, executive functioning, and self-advocacy skills.
Create positive, structured learning environments that promote both academic and behavioral success.
Utilize technology and assistive technology to improve student outcomes.
Maintain accurate instructional records and documentation.
Case Management and Compliance
Serve as Case Manager for assigned students receiving special education services.
Schedule, facilitate, and document annual review, eligibility, manifestation determination, and reevaluation meetings.
Develop legally compliant Individualized Education Programs.
Maintain all legal timelines required under IDEA and Colorado regulations.
Coordinate evaluation planning with multidisciplinary teams.
Maintain accurate confidential records.
Ensure implementation of accommodations and modifications.
Monitor compliance with procedural safeguards.
Complete progress reports according to district and state timelines.
Maintain compliance with Child Find responsibilities.
Assessment and Progress Monitoring
Administer formal and informal assessments.
Collect ongoing progress monitoring data.
Analyze student performance data.
Revise instructional plans based upon student performance.
Monitor student progress toward IEP goals.
Assist with reevaluation planning and eligibility determination.
Utilize assessment data to support instructional decision making.
Collaboration and Consultation
Collaborate regularly with classroom teachers.
Support implementation of accommodations within general education classrooms.
Coach teachers regarding instructional strategies and inclusive practices.
Coordinate services with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, counselors, and other related service providers.
Provide guidance to paraprofessionals supporting students.
Participate actively in MTSS meetings.
Participate in Student Services Team meetings.
Work collaboratively with administrators to improve student outcomes.
Family Partnerships
Develop positive relationships with families built upon trust and transparency.
Maintain timely communication regarding student progress.
Explain procedural safeguards and special education processes.
Encourage meaningful family participation throughout the IEP process.
Respond professionally to parent questions and concerns.
Coordinate communication among all stakeholders.
Leadership and School Improvement
Advocate for equitable access to educational opportunities for all students.
Support implementation of Heritage Heights Academy's character education philosophy.
Participate in school committees and professional learning communities.
Model professionalism, integrity, respect, competence, and honesty.
Maintain high standards of ethical conduct.
Participate in required professional development.
Attend required evening meetings and school events.
Assist with staff training related to accommodations, modifications, and inclusive instructional practices.
Contribute positively to school culture.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Demonstrated knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Colorado Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA), Child Find requirements, procedural safeguards, evaluation procedures, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and implementation.
Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices for students with disabilities across a variety of academic and behavioral needs. Ability to differentiate instruction while maintaining rigorous academic expectations and supporting student access to the Heritage Heights Academy Core Knowledge curriculum.
Knowledge of assessment practices, progress monitoring systems, behavior intervention planning, executive functioning supports, assistive technology, transition planning, and specially designed instruction.
Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to establish positive working relationships with students, families, teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and outside agencies. Ability to facilitate difficult conversations while maintaining professionalism and focusing on student success.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple timelines, legal deadlines, confidential records, meetings, and competing priorities in a fast-paced educational environment.
Ability to analyze student performance data to make instructional decisions and ensure meaningful educational progress.
Must maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding student records in accordance with FERPA and IDEA.
Must be professional and dependable while consistently modeling Heritage Heights Academy's Core Values.
Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance in connection with classroom preparation, instructional activities, and assisting students during emergency situations. Must be able to use educational technology and student information systems proficiently. Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors. Must be able to maintain physical and visual contact with students and hear well enough to ensure student safety. Physical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, walking, standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, reaching, and stooping throughout the instructional day. Must maintain all required professional licenses and certifications and participate in professional development as directed by the Principal. CPR and First Aid certification is required.