Special Education Teacher – Alternative Licensure Pathway (2027-2028 School Year)

POSITION: Special Education Teacher – Alternative Licensure Pathway

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

LOCATION: Hiring at multiple locations. You can view the current openings at this link. We encourage you to apply even if your preferred position is not listed as we will be posting new roles throughout the year.

SALARY: $62,000-$80,000 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 staff training at the end of July. You can view the current School Year Calendar here.

Ready to Become a Special Education Teacher? Explore Our Tuition-Supported Pathway!

Are you a general education teacher interested in transitioning to Special Education? A paraprofessional or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with a bachelor's degree ready to become a teacher? At DSST Public Schools, we'll help you take the next step.

As a Special Education Teacher, you'll lead instruction and support students with disabilities while earning your Colorado Special Education license. You'll receive a full-time teacher salary, benefits, and dedicated coaching. DSST currently offers full approved licensure tuition coverage through state grant funding and/or direct tuition assistance in exchange for a three-year teaching commitment.*

Why Become a Special Education Teacher at DSST?

• Receive $7,000-$13,000 in Tuition Support: DSST currently covers full approved licensure tuition, depending on the program, through Colorado's Educator Recruitment and Retention (ERR) grant and/or direct DSST funding.*
• Teach & Earn While You Learn: Step into a full-time teaching role while completing your licensure program, building on your existing classroom or student support experience.
• Receive Specialized Coaching & Support: Benefit from weekly instructional coaching and monthly professional development alongside fellow first-year SpEd teachers at DSST's Home Office.
• Know What to Expect: Mild/Moderate teachers typically support caseloads of approximately 12–17 students, although caseloads vary by campus and student needs. Dedicated planning time supports instruction and IEP case management.

Your Pathway to Special Education Licensure

DSST partners with two alternative licensure programs. Our Talent Team will help you identify the best fit for your experience and learning needs.

CU Denver ASPIRE | One Year

• Primarily online, asynchronous coursework completed while teaching full-time.
• Often a strong fit for experienced educators or current teachers seeking a Special Education endorsement.

Learn more about the CU Denver ASPIRE Alternative Licensure Program.

MSU Denver Alternative Licensure Program | Two Years

• In-person, cohort-based program with weekly Wednesday evening classes.
• More gradual pacing and additional in-person support, particularly valuable for aspiring teachers transitioning from student support roles.

Learn more about the MSU Denver Alternative Licensure Program.

Tuition Coverage & Three-Year Commitment

• Full Tuition Coverage: DSST covers approximately $7,000–$13,000 in approved program tuition, depending on your licensure pathway, through CDE ERR funding, DSST funding, or a combination of both.*
• Required ERR Grant Application: All eligible participants must apply for the CDE Educator Recruitment and Retention (ERR) grant to receive DSST tuition assistance. Failure to apply if eligible may result in DSST not covering the remaining tuition costs.
• Three-Year Commitment: Participants agree to teach Special Education at DSST for three school years. For ERR grant recipients, these three years also satisfy CDE's service commitment, provided all grant requirements are met. This is one three-year commitment, not two separate commitments.
• Additional Costs: Licensure applications, required exams, and other fees may not be covered.

*Tuition coverage is subject to annual funding availability. DSST currently offers full approved tuition coverage and hopes to continue this benefit, but full coverage is not guaranteed for future school years.

Our Talent Team will review grant application requirements, available funding, program costs, and commitment expectations with you before enrollment.

See Special Education Teaching in Action at DSST!

• Meet a Special Education Teacher Inspiring Young Readers: See how Jermaine Robinson uses creativity to help students build literacy skills and confidence.
• Learn More About Special Education at DSST: Explore our Special Education programs, instructional coaching, professional development, and commitment to inclusion through our recruitment one-pager.

What You'll Do

• Manage Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Develop IEPs, write goals, monitor progress, and ensure students receive appropriate services.
• Deliver Inclusive Instruction: Co-plan and co-teach grade-level curriculum, adapting instruction to meet students' individual needs.
• Support Student Access: Implement accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports that help students access rigorous instruction.
• Coordinate Student Supports: Partner with families, educators, service providers, and paraprofessionals to support student success.
• Monitor Student Growth: Use assessments, student work, and IEP data to adjust instruction and track progress.
• Build a Positive School Culture: Develop strong relationships with students and families and create an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
• Grow as an Educator: Participate in coaching, monthly Year 1 SpEd cohort development, and licensure coursework while maintaining satisfactory progress toward certification.
• Contribute to Your School Community: Support schoolwide initiatives, which may include student recruitment, tutoring, or other responsibilities. Explore additional responsibilities.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any field.
• Ability to meet Colorado's alternative licensure requirements for Special Education.
• Commitment to teaching at DSST for three school years in exchange for tuition support.
• Ability to balance full-time teaching with licensure coursework and maintain good standing in the program.
• A belief in every student's potential and commitment to educational equity, inclusive practices, and professional growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with K–12 students, particularly students with disabilities, as a general education teacher, paraprofessional, Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), tutor, youth development professional, or in a similar role.
• Experience adapting instruction or supporting diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Strong communication, organization, relationship-building, and time management skills.
• Openness to coaching, feedback, and continuous learning.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You don't need a Special Education license to apply! Whether you're a current teacher exploring a new subject area or a paraprofessional or RBT ready to lead instruction, we'd love to connect.

Schedule a conversation with our Talent Team to explore available positions, licensure pathways, and tuition support.

DSST Talent Team Calendly Sign Up

Questions? Email humancapital@scienceandtech.org. We're excited to help you explore what's next!

Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at humancapital@scienceandtech.org. We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.

Application Timeline

This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.

For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

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.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person 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, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.

DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.

About Us

DSST Public Schools is a network of middle and high schools located in Denver, Colorado. We foster school communities where our students and staff become the best versions of themselves. At the core of our approach are strong and meaningful relationships, fostered in small schools, that ensure every student and staff member is known and valued for their unique contributions. Through this whole child approach, we operate many of the top middle and high schools in the city of Denver. But the true success has been that all our graduating seniors have been accepted into college since the first graduating class in 2004. Join a team that’s making an impact – apply to DSST!