Edtech.com's Summary

Denver Public Schools is hiring a Director of Special Education. This role leads the development and implementation of special education programs, ensuring compliance with legal standards and fostering academic and social-emotional growth. The Director manages staff, collaborates with families and community partners, and maintains up-to-date knowledge of special education laws and practices.

Highlights

Leads system-wide special education programs for students ages 3-21, ensuring legal and ethical compliance.
Develops procedures for identification, evaluation, and placement of students with special education needs.
Represents the district in due process matters and collaborates with outside agencies and families.
Oversees recruitment, supervision, evaluation, professional development, budget, and compliance monitoring.
Requires a Master's degree in Education or Special Education; Doctorate preferred.
Requires Colorado Director of Special Education licensure active by time of hire.
Requires three years of special education teaching experience and three years of management experience, with at least two years in an educational leadership role.
Salary range is $117,624 to $144,066 annually, with additional benefits including health, wellness, and retirement plans.
Committed to equity, racial and educational excellence, and dismantling systems of oppression within the community.
Works under the Chief of Academics department and upholds core values including Students First, Integrity, and Accountability.

Director, Special Education Full Description

DIRECTOR, SPECIAL EDUCATION

Denver, CO, United States

Job Info

Job Identification
82340
Job Category
Administration
Posting Date
09/22/2026, 10:38 PM
Locations
Emily Griffith Campus
School Year
Not Applicable
Region
Central
ELA Designations
Non Teaching/No Designation
Schedule
Full Time Year Round
Work Schedule Name
CP235 - V20
FTE
1
Department
Chief of Academics

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Applicants may redact any information that identifies age, date of birth, dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution on transcripts, resumes or other documents being submitted as part of this application

Job Description
** Applications will be received until October 9, 2026. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. **

About this job:

Provides system-wide leadership for the development of effective and appropriate special education programs, ensuring that all district practices are legal and ethical for each student/family so that every child has the opportunity to achieve at a high level and be prepared for post-secondary success. Leads special education administrators and team members, creating a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and learning in the development and delivery of services aligned with district goals and objectives. Supports equitable evidence-based practices and programming for academic growth and achievement, social-emotional learning, and behavior management within a multi-tiered system of support framework.

As part of a values-based organization, achieves Board of Education ends and goals through our shared commitment to Students First, Integrity, Equity, Collaboration, Accountability and Fun. Plans, assigns and supervises the work performed in the areas of responsibility and ensures compliance with District policy and practices and appropriate federal, state and local rules and regulations.

**The Director must demonstrate a willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement. This role requires maintaining the highest level of confidentiality regarding all District matters, especially those involving the Superintendent, Chief of Staff, and the Board of Education. Ensuring trust and discretion is paramount to the success and integrity of this position.

What DPS Offers You:

A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
Salary Range: $117,624- $144,066/annually. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.

What You'll Do:

Implements and maintains special education programs and services for students ages 3-21, ensuring that schools and the District follow all state and federal regulations
Develops system procedures for identification, evaluation and placement of students with special education needs
Provides leadership and system representation in matters relating to due process procedural safeguards
Represents the school system in dealing with outside agencies and organizations concerned with special education
Collaborates effectively with district staff, families, special education teachers and the community for the purpose of planning, developing, implementing, maintaining and evaluating educational services and/or programs
Oversees operational functions, including the recruitment, hiring, supervision and evaluation of staff; professional development; budget management; compliance monitoring
Facilitates meetings and processes for the purpose of implementing and maintaining district special education programs and services that achieve desired objectives
Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities for the purpose of managing an excellent special education program; incorporates policies and procedures in accordance with laws and regulations

What You’ll Need:

Master's Degree in Education, Special Education or related field required
Doctorate preferred
Three or more years of management experience in the administration of special education programs to include two (2) or more years as a school leader or similar leadership role in education required
Three (3) years of teaching experience in a public school special education setting required
Three (3) years of management responsibility experience required
Colorado Director of Special Education licensure must be active by time of hire
Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us
Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.

DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.

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Director, Special Education

Edtech.com's Summary

Director, Special Education Full Description

DIRECTOR, SPECIAL EDUCATION

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