MCA Special Education Teacher

MCA SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education. – Martin Luther King Jr.

OVERVIEW & WHO WE ARE

Montrose Classical Academy (MCA) stands at a pivotal moment. In Fall 2026, we'll open our doors to our founding school of K-5 students, growing to serve 440 K-8 students by 2030. But this isn't just about numbers; it's about transformation. We're building a school where:

For Our Students:

Every child discovers their unique brilliance
Academic excellence meets joyful learning
Curiosity and confidence flourish daily
For Our Families:

Every family is a valued partner
Parents help shape our community's future
For Our Teachers:

Teaching means focusing on students, not paperwork
Work-life balance isn't just a phrase - it's our promise
Support systems free teachers to teach
Professional growth fits within the workday
For Our Community:

Diverse perspectives enrich learning
Strong relationships build lasting impact
Together, we create tomorrow's leaders
This is your chance to build more than a school. It's an opportunity to create a transformative community that will impact generations of students in Montrose County.

POSITION DETAILS

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Work Schedule: 192 calendar days per school year (approximately July 20 – May 14), per the MCA school calendar
Work Location: Montrose Classical Academy, Montrose, Colorado
Work Setting: In-person only. This is not a remote or hybrid position. All duties are performed on-site at MCA's school facility.
Reports To: School Leader (Principal) or Special Education Coordinator
Start Date: July 20, 2026
WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a founding Special Education Teacher at MCA, you will deliver content-rich classroom instruction. You will work in close collaboration with your colleagues, the School Leader, families, and Montrose County School District to ensure every student with disabilities receives a free and appropriate public education in an environment that celebrates their unique brilliance.

Direct Instruction

Deliver specially designed instruction aligned with each student’s IEP goals, using evidence-based strategies tailored to individual disability profiles and learning needs.
Adapt and implement MCA’s Core Knowledge Sequence and Singapore Math curriculum for students with disabilities, ensuring access to rigorous, content-rich classical education with appropriate supports and modifications.
Use structured literacy practices and Science of Reading-aligned instruction with appropriate accommodations and assistive technology to support students with reading disabilities and language-based learning differences.
Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students across a range of disability categories, including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, speech-language impairments, and other health impairments.
Conduct systematic progress monitoring on IEP goals and objectives, using data to inform instructional decisions, adjust strategies, and report student growth to families and the IEP team.
Implement co-teaching and flexible service delivery models, including push-in and pull-out instruction, in collaboration with general education teachers to maximize student access to the least restrictive environment.
Classroom Culture

Foster a joyful, achievement-oriented learning environment
Develop character education and student support programs
Create traditions that celebrate learning and growth
Build strong classroom management systems
Implement consistent, positive classroom management aligned with school-wide behavioral expectations
Build strong, respectful relationships with every student
Collaboration and Professional Growth

Participate actively in collaborative planning, professional learning communities (PLCs), and meetings
Engage in regular instructional coaching and feedback cycles with the School Leader (Principal)
Attend and contribute to all required professional development, including summer training
Collaborate with paraprofessionals, special education staff, and support personnel to serve all students
Student Support

Execute effective special education programs
Ensure English language learner support
Execute social-emotional learning programs
Execute intervention systems for students
Family Partnership

Communicate regularly and proactively with families about student progress, strengths, and areas for growth
Respond to parent communications in a timely and appropriate manner
Participate in school-wide family engagement events
Build trusting, respectful relationships with the families of your students
School Community

Contribute to a joyful, rigorous, and mission-aligned school culture
Adhere to all MCA policies, the Employee Handbook, and the Charter Contract with the Montrose County School District (MCSD)
Set the standard for educational excellence in Montrose County
WHO YOU ARE

A Skilled and Passionate Educator

You know your content deeply and teach it with clarity, joy and rigor
You understand how children learn and adapt your instruction accordingly
You use assessment data to continuously improve your teaching
You are committed to your own professional growth
A Compliance Expert

You understand IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and Colorado special education regulations
You approach compliance as a service to students and families, not just a legal obligation
You are meticulous with documentation
You keep current with changes in special education law and best practices
A Culture Builder

You create environments where joy and rigor coexist
You establish clear expectations with consistent support
You create classrooms where students feel safe, challenged, and inspired
A Student Champion

You believe in every child's potential
You ensure support for diverse learning needs
You create paths for every student to succeed
You balance high expectations with necessary support
A Family Partner

You see parents as essential partners in education
You create welcoming spaces for family engagement
You communicate clearly and consistently
You build trust through transparency and results
A Collaborative Colleague

You give and receive feedback graciously
You contribute to a team culture of continuous improvement
You share your best ideas and learn from others
WHAT YOU BRING

Required Qualifications

Valid Colorado Special Education Educator License (required) plus a valid Colorado General Education Educator License (or ability to obtain both), with appropriate endorsement(s) for grade level and subject area before August 24, 2026
5+ years of experience in special education teaching, with demonstrated knowledge of IEP development and compliance
Demonstrated expertise in IDEA, Section 504, and Colorado special education law and administrative procedures
Experience managing a caseload of students with IEPs and coordinating services across multiple providers and grade levels
Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field
Demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and student achievement
Strong classroom management skills and ability to build positive student relationships
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
Preferred Experience

CLD endorsement or bilingual abilities (Spanish/English)
Experience working with English language learners
Experience with the Core Knowledge Sequence, Singapore Math, or structured literacy/Science of Reading
Experience in a classical, content-rich, or knowledge-building school model
Demonstrated use of data to drive instructional decisions
As a founding Special Education Teacher, you'll have the rare opportunity to shape not just a school, but a legacy. You'll co-create with a founding team united by a powerful vision of what education can be. Your impact will extend far beyond your tenure, touching generations of students who will walk through our halls.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary:$55,000-$60,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Following the interview process, MCA will work with selected candidates to determine appropriate placement within the range based on verified years of teaching experience and relevant qualifications.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (for full-time employees)
PERA retirement benefits (Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association)
Participation in FAMLI (paid family and medical leave)
Paid sick leave per the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA)
Professional development support, including specialty-specific training
Instructional coaching and mentorship
Performance bonus opportunity
TO APPLY

Submit the following on Indeed:
Detailed resume highlighting your special education coordinating or teaching experience and student impact
At least three professional references (including at least one current or former supervisor)
One-Way Video Interview via Spark Hire: Following submission of your Indeed application, you will automatically receive an email with instructions to complete a brief one-way video interview through Spark Hire. You will be asked to respond to a single question on video at your convenience. This step is required for your application to be considered complete. Please check your Indeed messages for your Spark Hire invitation after submitting on Indeed.
Our Selection Process:
Application review (Indeed and Spark Hire)
In-person interviews with Leadership Team
Offer Letter
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Montrose Classical Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, natural hair texture or protective hairstyle, or any other legally protected characteristic. MCA complies with all applicable federal and Colorado state employment laws, including the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA), the Colorado CROWN Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES (ADA) STATEMENT

Montrose Classical Academy will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to employees with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act, and the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (42 U.S.C. § 2000gg). Applicants or employees who require an accommodation should contact the School Leader or HR designee to initiate the interactive accommodation process.

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT

As required by Colorado law for school employees, employment is contingent upon:

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check (CBI and FBI fingerprint check), as required by C.R.S. § 22-32-109.7 and § 22-32-109.8
Verification of legal right to work in the United States (Form I-9 / E-Verify)
Clearance through Colorado Department of Education screening
Verification of educator licensure, qualifications, and work history
COLORADO’S EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK ACT NOTICE

Salary Range: $55,000-$60,000 annually. Placement within the salary range is determined based on verified years of relevant teaching experience and qualifications, and will be confirmed at the time of offer.

Benefits: Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, PERA retirement benefits, Colorado FAMLI (paid family and medical leave) participation, paid sick leave per the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA), professional development support, instructional coaching, performance bonus opportunity.

In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (C.R.S. § 8-5-101 et seq.), MCA includes compensation and benefits information in all job postings for positions to be performed in Colorado.

IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT NOTICES

At-Will Employment: Employment at Montrose Classical Academy is at-will. Either the employee or Montrose Classical Academy may end the employment relationship at any time, for any lawful reason, with or without cause or advance notice.

In-Person Position: This position requires full-time, in-person attendance at Montrose Classical Academy’s school facility in Montrose, Colorado. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for this role.

Work Schedule: This is a 180 calendar-day position. The work schedule follows the Montrose Classical Academy school calendar (approximately August–June). Employees are not paid during summer break or scheduled school breaks unless otherwise specified in a written agreement.

FLSA Status: This position is classified as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Colorado COMPS Order #40. Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime pay.

Mandatory Reporting: All Montrose Classical Academy employees are mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect under C.R.S. § 19-3-304. Failure to report is a criminal offense under Colorado law.

PERA Enrollment: As a Colorado public school employee, this position is subject to mandatory PERA enrollment and contribution requirements under C.R.S. § 24-51-401 et seq.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Application Question(s):

Question 1 – Curriculum Access & Specially Designed Instruction
MCA uses specific, structured programs including the Core Knowledge Sequence, Singapore Math, and structured literacy based on the Science of Reading, such as Orton Gillingham. Describe your experience adapting rigorous, content-rich curriculum for students with diverse learning needs. How do you ensure students with IEPs can access grade-level content while receiving the specially designed instruction and accommodations outlined in their IEPs? Give a specific example of a lesson where you successfully balanced rigor with individualized support.

Question 2 – IEP Implementation & Data-Driven Instruction
As a Special Education Teacher at MCA, you'll be responsible for implementing IEPs, monitoring student progress toward IEP goals, and using data to drive instructional decisions. Describe your experience delivering specially designed instruction aligned with IEP goals. How do you collect, analyze, and use progress monitoring data to adjust your teaching? Give a specific example of a student whose IEP goals you successfully supported through targeted instruction and data-based decision making.

Question 3 – Inclusive Collaboration
Special Education Teachers at MCA work closely with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and families to ensure students with diverse learning needs thrive in inclusive settings. Describe your experience collaborating with colleagues to support students with IEPs. What specific strategies have you used for co-teaching, push-in support, or coaching general education teachers on implementing accommodations? How do you contribute to an inclusive school culture where all students belong?

Work Location: In person