2025-2026 Special Education Teacher

Job Title: Lead Special Education Teacher

Reports to: Principal

Are you ready to make a transformative impact on students with learning differences?

Orton Academy is searching for a dedicated, student-centered Special Education Teacher to champion

Job Title: Special Education Teacher

Reports to: Principal, inclusive education, and ensures students with disabilities receive the individualized support they need to thrive.

At Orton Academy, we believe in unlocking every student's potential by providing structured, research-based interventions tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. We are looking for a leader who is not only passionate about special education but also committed to coaching and mentoring staff, fostering a collaborative learning environment, and ensuring compliance with special education laws and best practices.

If you're an experienced special education professional who thrives on building relationships, leading multidisciplinary teams, and advocating for students with diverse learning needs, we want you at Orton Academy.

About Orton Academy

Orton Academy is a groundbreaking 2-8 charter school authorized by D11 in Colorado Springs, CO. We are a regional leader in dyslexia education, utilizing research-based instruction to create personalized learning experiences that enable students to overcome learning challenges. Our curriculum is rooted in the science of reading and structured literacy, ensuring that students receive the targeted support they need to succeed.

At Orton Academy, we don't just teach-we empower. Our students develop the skills, confidence, and strategies to navigate their academic journeys and beyond. Through individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a supportive learning environment, we are redefining what's possible for students with dyslexia.

Learn more about our unique approach at https://ortonk8.org

Philosophy and Vision Alignment

Our Why:

• We exist to ensure that students with dyslexia have access to high-quality, research-based instruction tailored to their unique learning needs.
• We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to develop confidence in their abilities and achieve their full potential.
• We are committed to instilling hope, igniting purpose, and empowering students to succeed academically and personally.

Our How:

• By implementing evidence-based instructional methods that prioritize the science of reading.
• By fostering an inclusive, nurturing, and student-centered learning environment.
• By equipping students with self-advocacy skills and strategies that empower them for lifelong success.

Our What:

• We are a community of educators, students, and families committed to breaking down learning barriers and championing student success.
• We provide specialized instruction tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia, ensuring they develop essential literacy and academic skills.
• We ensure that every graduate leaves Orton Academy with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to excel in their future pursuits.

As the Lead Special Education Teacher, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the special education program, mentoring teachers, leading IEP processes, and fostering an inclusive school culture that ensures all students receive equitable access to learning.

Core Responsibilities

I. Teaching & Providing Interventions (Academic & Behavioral)

• Deliver direct instruction in small-group and one-on-one settings for students requiring additional support in reading, writing, and math.
• Implement targeted academic interventions for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive functioning challenges.
• Utilize multisensory, structured literacy, and explicit math instruction methods to support diverse learning needs.
• Develop and implement behavioral intervention plans (BIPs) and classroom behavior support in collaboration with teachers and support staff.
• Provide social-emotional and executive functioning interventions to help students manage emotions, improve focus, and build self-regulation skills.
• Use data-driven decision-making to monitor student progress, adjust interventions, and ensure measurable growth.

II. Mastery & Modeling of Special Education Practices:

• Demonstrate expertise in instructional strategies for students with disabilities, particularly those with dyslexia, ADHD, and social-emotional needs.
• Model evidence-based interventions and differentiated instruction for special and general education teachers.
• Assist in the development of individualized learning strategies that align with student strengths and needs.

III. Social-Emotional & Behavioral Support in the General Education Setting:

• Support the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Restorative Practices, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies to help students thrive in the general education environment.
• Assist teachers in implementing behavior intervention plans (BIPs) that support students with emotional and behavioral needs.
• Promote self-regulation, executive functioning, and coping strategies for students struggling with behavioral and emotional challenges.
• Collaborate with external partners to integrate mental health support into classroom instruction.

IV. Compliance & IEP Support:

• Ensure adherence to IDEA, other federal and state mandates, and authorizer policy and procedures in all aspects of service delivery.
• Collaborate with all IEP team members to develop IEPs that are data-driven and student-centered, and appropriate to their individual needs.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation for IEPs and progress monitoring.

Qualifications

Education & Training:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Special Education or a related field.
• Certification: Valid Special Education Teaching License (or eligibility to obtain one required), additional certificates preferred
• Preference for candidates with specialized training in dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges.

Experience:

• Experience providing structured academic and behavioral interventions to students with identified disabilities
• Strong understanding of IDEA, IEP processes, social-emotional learning, behavior management strategies, and team facilitation.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with teachers, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams in a small school environment where relationships and individualized support are key.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Expertise in learning differences, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges.
• Strong advocacy for students with learning differences, ensuring equitable access to education.
• Knowledge of evidence-based interventions and instructional strategies tailored to various learning profiles.
• Experience with assistive technology and accommodations to support students with disabilities.
• Understanding of IDEA, IEP development, and compliance requirements.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with teachers, administrators, families, and support staff.
• Familiarity with social-emotional learning (SEL) approaches and behavior management strategies.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed in a classroom setting.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Salary, Benefits, and Terms

• Salary: $46,750-$63,801.85/annually
  • Paid time off.
  • 100% employer-paid plans offered for employee health, dental, and vision
  • 401(K) with a 100% match up to 5% of compensation; please note: this is not a PERA-eligible position
• Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time, Exempt.
• Full-time, exempt position.
• Location: 3115 Larkspur Drive, Colorado Springs
• Work year and hours shall be those established by Orton Academy.
• Performance evaluations will be conducted in accordance with school policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Orton Academy seeks to comply with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

The Board of Directors at Orton Academy has contracted with Minga Education Group (MEG) to provide employment services for all staff who work at Orton Academy. Through this partnership, MEG provides OA with employment services, a personnel system for human resources, benefits, payroll services, as well as access to a 401(k) plan. For naming purposes, Minga Education Group is the employer.

Mandatory Background Checks: In alignment with our commitment to student safety, all candidates are required to undergo a comprehensive background check, which includes reviewing criminal records and will require fingerprinting. Please be aware that certain findings in the background check may disqualify a candidate from employment in a school setting. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Convictions for violent crimes, such as assault or domestic violence.


• Convictions for offenses against children, including abuse or endangerment.


• Drug-related offenses, particularly those involving the distribution or trafficking of controlled substances.


• Certain felony convictions, depending on their nature and recency.


• History of certain misdemeanors that may raise concerns about a candidate's suitability for working in an educational environment. Submission of this application signifies your consent to this process and understanding of these criteria.

Verification of Qualifications: For roles that demand specific qualifications or certifications (such as teaching credentials), you will be asked to provide verifiable proof. We also conduct reference checks to validate your professional history and qualifications

Adherence to Colorado Education Laws: Our recruitment process strictly follows the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Colorado Department of Education. We expect all applicants to be familiar with and adhere to these standards.

This employer utilizes E-Verify