Teacher – K-12 Special Education – Mild to Moderate

Position Title

Teacher – Special Education – K-12 Mild/Moderate

Exempt

Direct Supervisor: Building Principal

Site: Olathe Elementary School

Salary Schedule: Teacher (range $51,516 – $83,929 based on 26/27 salary schedules, education and experience)

Work calendar: Teacher – 178 Days

Start Date: August 12, 2026 (position may be limited term)

Brief summary of Peak Virtual Academy

Peak Virtual Academy offers two main pathways to graduation: K-12 Hybrid and K-12 Online. In the online model specifically, students learn in both synchronous and asynchronous models. We offer English, Math, Social Studies and Science in K-12, plus we add electives and concurrent enrollment options starting in high school. At Peak Academy, we believe in authentic learning within and across disciplines and value individualized learning pathways for students.

Summary of Position at Peak Academy (1.0 FTE)

Peak Academy is looking to hire a dynamic and motivated Special Education Teacher who will be the case manager and service students in-person in grades K-12. This position is designed to teach and instruct special needs students in multiple grade levels in academic, social, behavioral, and other educational skill areas; to plan, develop, organize, and conduct a comprehensive educational and remedial program for special needs students; to assist students in making an appropriate adjustment to a mainstreamed educational process, requiring an increased level of independence; and to do other related functions as required.

Description

This position requires subject matter expertise in teaching special needs students, problem analysis using prescribed principles, methods and concepts, and decision analysis to determine best instruction. The incumbent meets frequently with school administrators, teachers, internal staff and community members to communicate information, data, and alternative problem solutions. This is a sedentary position performing light work with occasional movement. Reasonable accommodation may be made.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach and instruct special needs pupils in subject matter areas such as reading, writing and communicating, social studies, mathematics, and science.
• Adapt an adopted course of study, program instruction guidelines, and instructional materials to meet the educational needs of special needs pupils.
• Utilize various methodologies including remedial instruction, demonstration, and activity participation.
• Instruct students in citizenship and in the development of social skills.
• Prepare, develop, and utilize a variety of instructional materials and aids appropriate to the instructional level of pupils with diverse maturity.
• Review, analyze, and evaluate each pupil’s history, background, and assessment to design an educational program.
• Individualize instructional processes and adapt program activities to enhance educational opportunities.
• Provide individual and group instruction to motivate pupils and utilize instruction time effectively.
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior using behavior management strategies and positive behavior shaping processes.
• Review, analyze, and evaluate pupil academic and social growth.
• Record and report analyses of pupil progress.
• Administer, score, and record results of criterion‑referenced, group standardized, and specialized tests.
• Counsel, confer, and communicate with parents, school, and district personnel regarding pupil progress and program interpretation.
• Work cooperatively with the IEP Team to assess pupil needs and develop alternative solutions to remediate learning problems.
• Plan, create, and maintain an effective learning environment with functional displays and learning centers.
• Select and requisition appropriate educational supplies, materials, books, and equipment.
• Maintain a suitable room environment through proper heating, lighting, and ventilation control.
• Perform additional non‑instructional duties including curriculum development, student supervision, and advisory activities.

Education / Certification

• Education: Possession of an earned Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in special education, instructional technology, or a related subject field.
• Certification Requirement: Possession of a licensure from the Colorado Department of Education authorizing service as a teacher of special needs pupils.

Experience

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. Typical qualification includes successful completion of student teaching at a recognized college or university or two years of full‑time classroom teaching experience with the special‑needs child.

Knowledge of and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles, theories, methods, techniques, and strategies for teaching special‑needs pupils.
• Child growth and development and behavior characteristics of children with educational and social dysfunctions.
• Educational curriculum and instructional goals, and the educational trends and research findings pertaining to the special‑needs child.
• Behavior management, behavior shaping strategies, techniques, and conflict resolution procedures.
• Socio‑economic and cultural background differences of the school population.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, develop, and conduct a comprehensive teaching program for special needs students.
• Provide effective learning experiences for pupils from diverse backgrounds.
• Assist in assessment of educational needs and design of individualized educational plans.
• Provide an attractive, inviting, and stimulating learning environment.
• Conduct research and development activities for curriculum and instruction programs.
• Obtain CBI/FBI background clearance and maintain a clean driving record.

Physical Requirements

• Exert 5 to 25 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects.
• Work involves sitting, walking, and/or standing.
• Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions may occasionally arise.
• Require good perception of sound, vision, and manual dexterity for operating equipment and handling materials.
• Obtain CBI/FBI background clearance and maintain a clean driving record.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

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