Position Profile
Position: Teacher: Special Education
Department/School: Chipeta Elementary School
Reports To: Principal
FTE: 1.0
Days/Year: 187
Salary Schedule: 2026-2027 Teacher/SSP Salary Schedule, School Based Positions (Group A)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Teacher (General Education)
Position Summary (Universal Licensed Educator Expectations)
Teachers at Colorado Springs School District 11 are professional educators who ensure that every student has access to rigorous, engaging, and equitable learning opportunities. They embody the district’s values of innovation, inclusion, collaboration, and excellence, and are key contributors to creating a thriving school culture that supports academic and social-emotional success.
Core expectations include designing and implementing standards-aligned instruction, maintaining an inclusive learning environment, integrating technology effectively, using data to inform teaching, collaborating with colleagues, and engaging families as partners in education. Teachers also serve as reflective practitioners who continuously seek to improve through professional learning and feedback.
Essential Job Functions:
Plan and Deliver Instruction
- Design and implement engaging, standards-based lessons aligned with Colorado Academic Standards and District 11’s instructional vision.
- Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, technologies, and resources to promote student engagement, critical thinking, and creativity.
Differentiate Instruction
- Adapt teaching methods and materials to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.
- Provide appropriate interventions and supports to ensure all students have equitable access to learning opportunities.
Assess and Monitor Student Learning
- Use multiple assessment tools and data sources to evaluate student progress and inform instruction.
- Maintain accurate and timely student records, grades, and documentation in accordance with district policies.
Create and Maintain a Positive Learning Environment
- Establish and maintain a classroom culture that fosters respect, collaboration, and high academic expectations.
- Implement effective classroom management strategies to ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Collaborate and Communicate Effectively
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, administrators, and support staff as part of professional learning communities.
- Communicate regularly with students, families, and caregivers to share progress, celebrate success, and address challenges.
Engage in Professional Growth and School Improvement
- Participate in professional development, reflective practice, and continuous learning to enhance instructional effectiveness.
- Contribute to school and district initiatives focused on improving teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
Model Professionalism and Ethical Practice
- Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and equitable practices in all aspects of professional work.
- Demonstrate reliability, cultural competence, and commitment to the district’s mission of inspiring every mind.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Colorado Academic Standards, curriculum design, and effective instructional practices.
- Principles of differentiated instruction and strategies to support diverse learners, including English Language Learners and students with disabilities.
- Assessment methods, data analysis, and progress monitoring to inform instructional decisions.
- Classroom management techniques that promote positive behavior and student engagement.
- Current educational technology tools and digital learning platforms that enhance teaching and learning.
- District policies, ethical standards, and legal requirements related to public education.
Skills in:
- Designing and delivering engaging, student-centered lessons that promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Effectively integrating technology and digital resources into classroom instruction.
- Using formative and summative assessment data to guide instruction and improve student outcomes.
- Communicating clearly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues.
- Managing time, priorities, and documentation with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Collaborating in professional learning communities to share best practices and support school improvement.
Ability to:
- Foster an inclusive and respectful classroom culture that supports academic and social-emotional growth.
- Adapt instruction and materials to meet the needs of students with varying learning styles, backgrounds, and abilities.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with students, families, and staff.
- Reflect on professional practice and seek continuous improvement through feedback and professional learning.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all professional interactions.
- Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and a commitment to the district’s mission to inspire every mind through innovative and inclusive education.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in education or related field.
- Valid Colorado Teaching License appropriate for assigned subject/grade level.
- Demonstrated knowledge of effective instructional practices, assessment, and classroom management.
- Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree, prior K-12 teaching experience, and/or bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish or other district-identified languages).
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Work is performed primarily in a classroom or school environment and requires regular, punctual attendance. The position involves frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the school building, with occasional sitting. Teachers may need to lift and carry instructional materials up to 25 pounds and perform physical activities such as bending, reaching, or climbing stairs. The work requires sufficient manual dexterity, vision, hearing, and verbal communication to effectively engage with students and staff. Occasional evening events may be required. Duties must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Join Our Team!
Join Colorado Springs School District 11 and help inspire a generation of learners. Your dedication, creativity, and expertise empower students to reach their full potential — shaping the future of our community and beyond.
Employees in this category will also receive the following for the 2026-2027 school year:
- Non-Recurring Pay: 7% of base salary in Non-Recurring Pay (distributed as 3.5% on November paycheck and 3.5% on May paycheck).
- Staffing Stability Incentive (Adams Elementary, Galileo Middle School and Mitchell High School):
- All Teachers/SSPs (regardless of FTE) will receive an additional $5,000 split over two payments ($2,500 in November and $2,500 in May). NOTE: This is prorated based off of FTE.
- Teaching and SSP Staff qualify to receive an additional 10 extra days (beyond the District Calendar), paid at the per diem rate. Five (5) days for USIP design and five (5) days as “collaborative flex” days. NOTE: SSPs receiving extra days (per the Employee Handbook) are only allowed to work a TOTAL of 10 extra days. For example, nurses are allowed to work 3 additional days per the Handbook and are only allowed to work an additional 7 days (for a total of 10).
- Mitchell High School Only: Teachers/SSPs also receive a one-step increase (paid monthly).
Base Salary Setting: Employment, assignment and salary placement, is in accordance with job description requirements. A work history is required to demonstrate job title, job duties and time worked in the position. Reference the linked How Your Compensation Is Determined for more details.
Base Salary Setting (New Hires): Any newly-employed Teacher/Special Service Provider (SSP) will be placed on the appropriate lane for their educational background (BA, MA, etc). according to the official transcripts that are provided. They will be placed at the appropriate step for experience listed on the resume. Teachers will receive credit for a maximum of 14 years for any applicable teaching experience (provided that the experience occurred in the last 15 years).
Base Salary Setting (Rehires): Returning employees who have previously resigned or separated from the District will be rehired at the same step they were on at the time of resignation/separation plus any new experience gained in the same job, provided step increases were approved by the Board during the years in question.
See Employee Handbook (located on the D11 website) for information on salary setting for rehires (after retirement), promotions and lateral transfers.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
School District 11 is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to disability, need for special education services (whether actual or perceived), race, creed, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, genetic information, or protected activity in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Any harassment/discrimination of students and/or staff, based on the aforementioned protected areas, will not be tolerated and must be brought to the immediate attention of the school principal, D11 administrator/supervisor or D11 nondiscrimination compliance/grievance coordinator.
NONDISCRIMINATION COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR, the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Ombudservices, has been designated to coordinate compliance with: Equal Pay Act of 1963, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as Amended, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title IX – Education Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For additional information, please contact the District 11 Office of Equal Opportunity Programs & Ombudservices at 1115 North El Paso Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-2599, Phone: 719-520-2288, FAX: 719-520-2442
The following Board policies address nondiscrimination in District 11: AC, AC-R, GBA, GBAA, JBB, JBB-R
Pay: $52,025.00 - $80,666.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
