(#R6260) Special Education Teacher – Licensure Pathways (ASPIRE or MSU Denver)

POSITION: Special Education Teacher -- Licensure Pathways (ASPIRE or MSU Denver)

GRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both middle school and high school positions

LOCATION: Currently hiring at multiple locations. See which campuses are currently hiring for Special Education Teachers here. 

SALARY: $62,000-$82,000 based on aligned years of experience up to 10 years. We also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver! 

STATUS: Full time school year, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position

START: First day of new SpEd Teacher staff training will be in July. You can view the current DSST School Year Calendar here. 

Interested in becoming a Special Education teacher but not yet licensed?

We offer supported pathways to licensure while you work full-time at DSST. Speak directly with our team to learn more and get started: DSST Talent Team Calendly Sign Up

Special Education hiring is our top priority — we encourage you to connect early.

THE OPPORTUNITY

DSST Public Schools is hiring Special Education Teachers across our network. This is an opportunity to:

Teach full-time as a Special Education Teacher

Earn your Colorado teaching license while earning a salary and benefits

Receive coaching, development, and support

Build a long-term career in education

We partner with two licensure programs and will work with you to determine the appropriate pathway based on your background, experience, and program requirements.

LICENSURE PATHWAYS & SUPPORT

1. ASPIRE (CU Denver – 1 Year)

Accelerated, primarily asynchronous online program

Complete licensure in ~1 year while teaching full-time

Best for candidates with extensive teaching experience and/or seeking only an endorsement

Learn more: CU Denver ASPIRE Alternative Licensure Program

2. MSU Denver Alternative Licensure (2 Years)

In-person, cohort-based program

Weekly evening classes (Wednesdays)

More gradual pace with additional in-person support

Learn more: MSU Denver Alternative Licensure Program

TUITION & PAYMENT MODEL

UPDATE (New as of [April 2026]):
DSST has secured additional funding that may allow us to cover some or all of licensure program tuition costs for eligible participants.

If selected for this funding, participants will be asked to commit to teaching Special Education at DSST for two years following program completion.

We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as funding is limited.

If you are not selected for DSST-funded tuition, the standard tuition model below will apply:​

DSST pays tuition directly to the university upfront

You repay tuition through automatic payroll deductions over the duration of the program

Participant responsible for additional related fees. See links above for more information.

External funding (scholarships or grants) may reduce or eliminate the amount you owe.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

We are looking for individuals ready to grow into strong Special Education teachers.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in any field

Ability to meet Colorado licensure requirements

A belief that all students can succeed

A growth mindset and openness to feedback

A commitment to equity and inclusive practices

Strong Candidates Typically Have:

Experience working with students (especially students with disabilities) in K–12 or similar settings (e.g., paraprofessional, RBT, tutor, camp counselor, etc.)

Strong communication and time management skills that allows you to balance full-time teaching while completing a licensure program

THE ROLE

Our Special Education Teachers are leaders who ensure that students with disabilities are known, supported, and challenged to achieve their most ambitious post-secondary path. Learn more about a Day in the Life of a Special Education Teacher and why you should choose to grow your career at DSST here.

Key Responsibilities:

Be an IEP Case Manager:
Write data-driven IEPs, develop goals, monitor progress, and support student growth

Ensure Access to Instruction:
Partner with general education teachers to implement accommodations and modifications

Manage and Support Teams:
Supervise paraprofessionals and coordinate student supports

Deliver Rigorous Instruction:
Co-plan and co-teach grade-level content using DSST curriculum

Track Student Growth:
Use assessment data to guide instruction and support mastery

Promote Positive Culture:
Build strong relationships with students and families and contribute to school culture

Engage in Professional Development:
Participate in coaching, feedback, and ongoing learning

Contribute to School Community: Undertake additional duties as needed, such as supporting student recruitment, after school tutoring, etc. Explore more potential duties here.

Program Expectation:

Candidates must remain in good standing in their licensure program and make consistent progress toward certification. Continued employment in the Special Education Teacher role is dependent on meeting program and licensure requirements.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program

15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF

9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend

95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people 

Why Work at DSST?

At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.

Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.

Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.

Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.

Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.

Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not exclude participation in, deny benefits to or discriminate on the basis of, race, color, religion, National origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), Age (40 and older), Disability, Genetic information (including employer requests for, or purchase, use, or disclosure of genetic tests, genetic services, or family medical history), retaliation for filing a charge, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in a discrimination lawsuit, investigation, or proceeding in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is active and may require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching throughout the day. The employee must lift and/or move items up to 30 pounds. The employee must have sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.