Special Education Teacher

Job Title: Special Education Teacher

Reports To: School Leader (Academic)

Location: Aurora, CO

Salary:$63-75K

VIVO COLORADO

At Vivo Colorado, we are building something different. Vivo Colorado is a nonprofit, public charter school network building innovative, recovery-focused high schools designed for young people desiring a substance-free lifestyle and ready to define success on their own terms. Our students are bright, capable, and resilient. They deserve schools built on deep relationships, meaningful work, and real-world learning.

At Vivo Colorado – a small innovative high school in partnership with the Big Picture Learning network – learning is personal, project-based, and rooted in internships, mentorship, and purpose. We hold high expectations and believe transformation happens when students are known well. Our schools align to Big Picture Learning's Ten Distinguishers, and our core values for Vivo staff and students are collective impact, unique autonomy, learning together, and transparent insight.

We are seeking high-energy, insightful, and relationship-driven educators who are excited to build something meaningful and ready to rethink what “school” can look like. If you believe rigor and humanity belong in the same classroom, we'd love to meet you.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

This is a full-time, exempt, at-will position. Teachers report directly to the School Leader.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a Special Education Teacher at Vivo, you will ensure students with disabilities fully participate in the school's personalized, interest-driven learning model. This role provides specialized instruction, leads the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and works closely with advisors, content teachers, and families to ensure students have the supports they need to access rigorous academics and real-world learning experiences. As a key member of the student support team, the Special Education Teacher helps integrate IEP goals into students' personalized learning plans and internships while maintaining compliance with federal and Colorado special education requirements.

We seek educators who value 'rigor, relevance, and relationships' in their professional practice, and who can engage families and community members as partners in the education of Vivo students.

This is not a traditional teaching role. It is relational, entrepreneurial, and deeply impactful.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide specially designed instruction and supports that enable students with disabilities to access rigorous, interest-driven learning experiences aligned with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Serve as case manager for assigned students, ensuring timely development, implementation, and review of IEPs in compliance with federal and Colorado special education regulations
• Partner with students, families, and colleagues to implement accommodations, monitor progress toward IEP goals, and ensure students learn in the least restrictive environment
• Support transition planning and real-world learning experiences that advance students' postsecondary education, employment, and independent living goals
• Collaborate with a group of passionate educators in creating and nurturing a school that meets the needs of students looking for a more individualized program
• Build strong relationships within the school community and support restorative justice practices
• Maintain patience and a sense of humor, and celebrate the successes of students and the school

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• Valid teaching license with Special Education Endoresement or TEE through CDE
• (Preferred) At least two years of teaching experience, ideally in a competency-based, Big Picture Learning, Deeper Learning, project-based, or other similar environment
• Fingerprint background check clearance; current eligibility to work in the U.S.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Salary $63-75K
• Health benefits package
• Colorado PERA retirement program
• Eligible for additional 401K and Roth plans (optional)
• Paid time off / Paid sick leave / FMLA / Can opt into FAMLI
• ~3-4 weeks of summer vacation; ~5 weeks of school holidays and vacation throughout the school year

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY / NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

Vivo Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions—including hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination—are made without regard to these protected characteristics.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To apply for this position, submit your resume and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that describes why you're a good fit for this role, and how your experience and beliefs align with Vivo's mission.