Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs in Colorado

Applications will be received until June 22, 2026. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org.

About this job:

Special Education (SPED) Teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities. Notice to Applicants: This vacancy is at a school designated as an “Innovation School.” For more information, please contact the school and/or DCTA.

What DPS Offers You:

* A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
* Competitive Teacher Compensation and Procomp Incentive plan, click here for the DCTA Teacher and SSP Salary Schedule. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles. Please note: You must submit all relevant documentation via onboarding before the deadline (15 days after receiving your offer letter) for salary setting purposes.
* In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.

What You'll Do:

* Develops and executes individualized lesson plans in all subject areas, providing for direct instruction while maintaining a focus on District standards and benchmarks.
* Administers and interprets both formal and informal individualized educational assessments.
* Monitors, supervises, coordinates, and enforces rule of conduct and behavior of assigned students; reinforces positive student behaviors in accordance with school and District policy.
* Prepares lesson plans and materials according to curriculum guidelines, adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests; establishes and communicates to students clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects; and instructs students individually and in groups using various teaching methods.
* Provides daily living (e.g. toileting, diapering, feeding, personal hygiene) following universal precautions and as trained and directed; operates, monitors, and performs maintenance of adaptive technology and equipment; and lifts and transports students using appropriate equipment and lifting technique.
* May participate in extra-duty activities as outlined in the teachers' collective bargaining agreement (this is for coaching, tutoring, or summer programs, etc. for Dept. of Labor laws).

What You’ll Need:

Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required. A Master's Degree is only required for Concurrent Enrollment positions.
* Have a valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) teaching license. Click here for additional information regarding specific requirements and qualifications for the various subject areas (DPS does accept a CDE Application Receipt for 90 days).
* ELA-S Only: (teaching in both Spanish and English) positions, candidates are required to take the Spanish language proficiency (SLP) exam, proctored by Berlitz Testing. Click here for more information. Additionally, if a teacher has taken, or chooses to take, the Praxis II - Spanish: World Language 5195 exam, it will also work at DPS as an appropriate SLP exam, as long as the candidate scores 163 or higher on the Praxis II (#5195) exam.
* ELA-S Only:* Must be Bilingual in Spanish and English Required.
* Experience working with young special needs students and their parents preferred.
* Experience working with young special needs children who represent the diversity of the District school community is preferred.
* Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
* Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
* Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun