Why Join Adams 12 Five Star Schools?
Adams 12 Five Star Schools is a forward‑thinking, community‑driven public school district that serves more than 70,000 students across the Denver metropolitan area. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to elevate student success for every learner, every day, in every classroom. We champion a culture of equity, inclusion, and excellence, continually challenging the status quo to ensure that no student is left behind. As a district that values innovative teaching practices, collaborative problem‑solving, and data‑driven decision‑making, we invest heavily in professional development, cutting‑edge resources, and a supportive work environment that enables educators to thrive.
In 2023, Adams 12 was recognized as a Top 25 Innovative School District by the American Association of School Administrators, and we have earned multiple accolades for our commitment to social‑emotional learning (SEL), culturally responsive pedagogy, and special education services. When you become part of our team, you join a network of passionate educators who are dedicated to shaping the next generation of confident, resilient, and emotionally intelligent citizens.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated, empathetic, and skilled Remote Elementary Affective Needs Teacher to provide specialized academic and social‑emotional instruction to K‑5 students with disabilities. This temporary, work‑from‑home role offers immediate start dates and flexible scheduling, enabling you to make an impact from anywhere within Colorado. You will partner closely with classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, families, and a multidisciplinary team of specialists (including school psychologists, speech‑language pathologists, and behavior analysts) to deliver evidence‑based instruction that aligns with the district’s SEL framework and CASEL standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Advocacy: Champion the rights and needs of students with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities, fair disciplinary practices, and inclusive language throughout all school interactions.
- Assessment & Eligibility: Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services, develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound) learning goals, and regularly monitor progress using data‑driven tools.
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): Perform FBAs, design individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and implement incentive systems, point sheets, and data‑collection protocols to promote positive behavior change.
- Collaboration & Supervision: Schedule, mentor, and supervise paraprofessionals; partner with classroom teachers to co‑plan lessons that integrate SEL and academic content; coordinate with school psychologists, speech‑language pathologists, and other specialists to develop cohesive, student‑centered intervention plans.
- Family Engagement: Maintain consistent, transparent communication with families about student strengths, needs, services, and progress; facilitate virtual meetings, progress reports, and collaborative goal‑setting sessions.
- Compliance & Documentation: Implement IDEA and ECEA regulations, craft legally sound Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensure fidelity of IEP implementation across all environments, and adhere to district policies and state mandates.
- Instructional Design: Assess each student’s social‑emotional instructional level, apply the AN Quality Indicators and AN Rubric, and design ambitious learning trajectories toward CASEL competencies.
- Evidence‑Based Practices: Integrate research‑backed SEL curricula, differentiated instruction strategies, and universal design for learning (UDL) principles to meet the diverse needs of learners.
- Professional Growth: Participate actively in ongoing professional development workshops, coaching cycles, and peer‑learning communities focused on SEL, trauma‑informed instruction, and special education best practices.
- Technology Integration: Leverage virtual learning platforms, data dashboards, and digital assessment tools to deliver instruction, track progress, and create engaging, interactive learning experiences for remote students.
Essential Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Elementary Education, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Licensure: Current Colorado Educator License with an endorsement in Special Education, or ability to obtain a valid license within 30 days of hire.
- Experience: Minimum of 1‑2 years of experience providing direct instruction to K‑5 students with disabilities, preferably in an SEL or affective‑needs setting.
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Background Check: Successful completion of a criminal background check and compliance with district safety protocols.
Preferred Qualifications & Additional Endorsements
- Certification in English Language Learner (ELL) instruction or Linguistically Diverse Education (LDE) endorsement.
- Training in Trauma‑Informed Teaching, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), or Restorative Practices.
- Experience with the CASEL framework and expertise in developing SEL curricula aligned with the AN Rubric.
- Proficiency in virtual instruction tools such as Google Classroom, Canvas, or Seesaw, and familiarity with data‑collection platforms (e.g., SWIS, PowerSchool).
Core Skills & Competencies for Success
- Empathy & Relationship Building: Ability to forge trusting, respectful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
- Analytical Thinking: Skill in interpreting assessment data, identifying trends, and making evidence‑based instructional decisions.
- Collaboration: Strong teamwork orientation; comfort leading interdisciplinary meetings and co‑creating plans with diverse stakeholders.
- Communication: Clear, concise, and culturally responsive written and verbal communication skills; adept at delivering virtual presentations.
- Organization & Time Management: Capacity to juggle multiple caseloads, meet deadlines for IEP documentation, and maintain accurate records.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust instructional strategies in real time based on student response and evolving district priorities.
- Technology Fluency: Competence in using video‑conferencing platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams), learning management systems, and data analytics tools.
- Commitment to Equity: Passion for dismantling systemic barriers and promoting inclusive practices that honor every student’s identity.
Compensation, Benefits, and Perks
Adams 12 offers a competitive salary based on education, licensure, and relevant experience. Salary placement follows a transparent step‑scale model, rewarding each year of qualified teaching experience up to a maximum of ten years. In addition to base pay, the district provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance options with employer contributions.
- Life insurance and optional voluntary coverage through PERA.
- Retirement savings plans (401(k), 403(b), and 457(b)) with matching contributions.
- Generous paid time off, including sick leave, personal days, and vacation accrued annually.
- Employee Assistance Program for confidential counseling and wellness resources.
- Professional development stipend for conferences, certifications, and graduate coursework.
- Access to district‑wide technology resources (laptops, high‑speed internet stipends, and virtual classroom tools).
- Opportunities for career advancement within the district’s extensive network of schools and specialized programs.
Career Growth & Professional Development
At Adams 12, your growth is our priority. As a Remote Elementary Affective Needs Teacher, you will have access to:
- Mentoring Programs: Pairing with experienced SEL specialists for ongoing coaching and feedback.
- Learning Communities: Participation in district‑wide SEL and Special Education Collaborative Teams that share best practices, resources, and research.
- Certification Support: Funding for additional endorsements, such as ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) or Behavioral Intervention specialist certifications.
- Leadership Pathways: Potential to advance into roles such as SEL Coordinator, Special Education Department Chair, or Instructional Coach.
- Innovation Grants: Eligibility to apply for grant funding to pilot new SEL curricula, technology integrations, or family‑engagement initiatives.
Work Environment & Culture
Our district prides itself on a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive culture. Even though this position is remote, you will be fully integrated into a vibrant professional community through:
- Weekly virtual faculty meetings and monthly “Coffee Chat” sessions with district leaders.
- A robust onboarding program that includes orientation to district policies, virtual classroom platforms, and SEL frameworks.
- A culture of recognition where outstanding teachers are celebrated through district newsletters, award ceremonies, and peer‑nominated honors.
- Commitment to work‑life balance, offering flexible scheduling to accommodate personal commitments while maintaining high instructional quality.
Application Process
If you are ready to bring your passion for social‑emotional learning and special education to a forward‑thinking district, we encourage you to submit your application promptly. The selection process includes:
- Online application submission through our district portal.
- Initial screening of credentials, licensure status, and background check clearance.
- Virtual interview with a panel of SEL specialists, special education administrators, and district HR representatives.
- Demonstration of instructional practice (e.g., a brief video lesson or case study analysis).
- Final hiring decision and onboarding coordination.
All candidates will receive timely updates on their application status. We value transparency and strive to make the hiring experience as clear and supportive as possible.
Join Us in Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
At Adams 12 Five Star Schools, you will have the unique opportunity to influence the lives of young learners, empower families, and contribute to a district-wide vision of equity and excellence. Your expertise in affective‑needs instruction will help build resilient, compassionate, and academically successful students who are prepared to thrive in an ever‑changing world.
Take the next step in your career. Apply today and become part of a community that celebrates your talent, supports your growth, and shares your commitment to student success.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a motivated educator eager to make a meaningful difference in a dynamic, remote setting, we encourage you to submit your application now. We look forward to reviewing your credentials and exploring how your strengths align with our mission.
Apply Now