The Odyssey School of Denver is a diverse, K-8 Expeditionary Learning (EL) charter school. We believe in teaching students how to learn through a focus on academic achievement, critical thinking, and social responsibility, preparing them for high school and beyond. Our EL curriculum is supported by a robust outdoor Adventure program in which all students and staff participate. Special Education teachers work to support the educational program of the Odyssey School of Denver in a manner that is true to the principles of EL Education and the mission and vision of the school.
Primary responsibilities include:
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Planning, Instruction, and Assessment
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Develop compelling long-term and daily lesson plans aligned to student IEP goals and collect and analyze data to inform instruction
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Collect and modify grade level curriculum for students based on IEP goals for inclusion minutes and collaborate with teachers to determine administration of classroom assessments
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Provide all special education minutes based on student IEPs, both inclusion and pull-out
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Administer district/state assessments with accommodations (i.e. iReady, CMAS) and assessments as needed for progress monitoring and evaluation
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Case Management
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Leads evaluation cycle for students on caseload, including administering and scoring assessments, and communicating with SSPs and families as needed
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Leads IEP writing and revisions for students on caseload
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Responsible for compliance of students on caseload, including meeting all deadlines
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Collaborates with other Case Manager/Special Education Teacher regularly
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Family Communication
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Make families welcome, know them well, engage them actively in the life of the school, and communicate regularly with them.
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Make use of effective classroom management practices and communicate challenges and celebrations with parents
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Professionalism & Responsibilities
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Participate in strong professional culture that is sustained via collective leadership and action.
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Observe and support the Odyssey staff community courtesies and Habits.
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Work with Adventure Director to schedule, plan, and support facilitation of two overnight trips per year, as well as a variety of Adventure days throughout the year, and coordinate parent chaperones.
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Attend and participate in all Staff Council and professional development meetings.
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Be prompt for school, meetings and other school responsibilities.
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Leadership
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Serve as the instructional leader of the SPED team; department; assist team regarding curriculum, instructional strategies, use of data to determine student needs and increase student achievement. This role facilitates weekly team meetings, and guides team decision-making, and fosters strong communication between families, service providers, and campus staff.
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This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while supporting student success through quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
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Job requirements
Qualifications
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Must be a self-aware, mission-driven, solutions-oriented, team player looking to become an expert learner.
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Commitment to outdoor education and adventure programming for students.
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Certified Special Education teacher with 2 or more years of experience leading a classroom, K-5th grade experience preferred
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Experience with EL curriculum or project-based learning a plus but not required
