Special Education Teacher-Elementary

Job Posting – Special Education Elementary Teacher

Classification:

Certified - Full-time Grade Level: PK-5th grade

Responsibilities:

A Special Education Elementary Teacher is responsible for creating a welcoming classroom environment. They are responsible for facilitating student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students with a variety of disabilities and by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc. Special Education teacher will work with and oversee paraprofessional staff, manage special education student caseload, be part of a team of support services, and team-teach with general education staff.

In addition, the teacher will participate and organize extracurricular activities, field trips to improve student learning as well as participate in other school functions and duties.

Qualifications:

Required:

● Must hold or be eligible to hold a Colorado Teaching License endorsed in Special Education Generalist (5-21)

● Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education

● Knowledge of working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

● Experience teaching all subjects based on the Colorado Academic Standards

● Strong background in literacy and math as well as an interest in creating experiential learning opportunities

● Possess strong skills in collaborating with teachers for student learning

● Ability to differentiate instruction for students below or above grade level standards

● Strong decision making, analytical and organizational skills

● Excellent interpersonal relations and oral and written communication skills

Preferred:

● Previous special education or elementary teaching experience

● Successful completion of CDE Read Act Teacher Training

● Familiar with DIBELs and Orton-Gillingham approach to reading

● Master’s degree

● Experience working with a diverse student population

● Technology skills (Apple Technology, Student Information Systems, Google Applications for Education)

Start Date:

August 13-14, 2026 (New Staff Orientation)

August 17-21, 2026 (Professional Development/Teacher Planning)

August 24, 2026 (1st Day of School)

Work Schedule:

177 contract day

Workday: 7:45 am to 3:45 pm

Salary:

Refer to the certified educator salary matrix (2026-2027 matrix will be available April 2026). Current matrix is available on website. Benefits include 100% paid health & dental insurance, optional vision and supplemental insurances, sick/personal/bereavement days, parent leave, PERA, life insurance policy, and professional development opportunities.

Additional Information:

Ridgway is the Gateway to the San Juan Mountains offering easy access to world-class climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, rafting, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, biking and much more!

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should submit a complete Ridgway School District CertifiedApplication (available at www.ridgway.k12.co.us), letter of interest, resume, copy of current educator license, three recent letters of professional recommendation and unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire) to the following:

Ridgway School District R-2

Attn: Human Resource Director

1115 West Clinton Street

Ridgway, CO 81432

or email documents to Jeff at jbutterbaugh@ridgway.k12.co.us

Contact Jeff Butterbaugh with questions at 970-626-4320 or via e-mail.

Internal applications will be considered. Internal applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and a current resume.

Begin post date: February 23, 2026 End postdate: Open until filled

Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person