Elementary Education Teacher, Animas Valley Elementary, .5 FTE

Durango School District is accepting applications for a part-time Elementary Education Teacher to join the team at Animas Valley Elementary. This position will support K-5 Special Education Students, focusing on Social Emotional and behavioral needs that are in the students IEP. Must meet hold a Colorado Department of Education Elementary Education Teacher License by the start date. Position begins August 17, 2026.

For the 26/27 SY, this position includes a $900 one-time bonus! (Note, bonus pro-rated for late start)

Plan instruction and assessment aligned with District learner outcomes and State achievement standards. Supervise assigned students and maintains a positive learning environment. Adapt instruction to meet the individual learning needs of all students resulting in an increased probability of advancing their achievement. Maintain positive inter-personal relationships with students, parents, staff and community members.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Utilize effective teaching practices to teach the adopted curricula for assigned grades and subjects so that students attain adopted grade/course expectations and standards. Modify and tailor the curriculum as necessary to address individual student differences, learning styles, and student abilities.
• Develop lesson plans and instruct with adopted materials. Utilize supplemental classroom materials, media, and teaching appropriate for assigned levels and subjects.
• Utilize formative and summative assessments to assess the learning, achievement, and performance of each student and report the results as required by District Policy and school procedures.
• Model, promote, and as situations arise, take the opportunity to provide instruction related to character education including citizenship and responsible behavior (respect for self, other and property), bullying prevention, conflict resolution skills, and responsible work habits and ethics.
• Implement student IEP's, 504 Plans, and Behavior Support Plans as outlined. Attend meetings pertaining to student IEP's and 504's as requested. Provide updates on student performance to case managers as requested.
• Provide safety instruction for students when the subject, activities, chemicals, product, tools and/or equipment pose possible harm or injury to students including use of personal protective devices (protective eye devices, safe clothing) and assure that students adhere to safety requirements.
• Maintain an orderly, positive learning environment free from disruptive behavior by implementing proactive classroom management strategies and enforcing the Student Conduct Code. Supervise students to minimize any possibility of violent behavior and to minimize potential accidents.
• Maintain an ongoing relationship with families for the purposes of sharing information regarding the student's educational program and assisting the family in cooperatively improving the student's home and school relationship. Develops and promotes good relations among the school community: parents, staff, administration and other community members.
• When determined necessary, work with the IEP Team to assist with the development of behavior support plans, health plans, safety plans, and/or crisis plans.
• Be familiar with and abide by all applicable Federal and Colorado laws and regulations; Board of Education policies and District Regulations, as amended from time to time; school procedures that relate to employment with the District.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Assure the safety and welfare of students including necessary actions to ensure that students are supervised at all times. Demonstrate faithfulness and promptness in attendance at work. Submit required reports promptly at the times specified. Demonstrate care of and protection of School District property Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law. Use the District's internet and E-mail system as specified in Policy. Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent or their designees.

Minimum Bachelor's degree of related subject from accredited university. Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring. Colorado Teaching License with endorsements for the levels and subject areas teaching. Pass the PLACE or PRAXIS II Test. Meet CDE and ESSA requirements for In-Field Teacher. May be required to complete CPI training depending on assignment.

Excellent interpersonal relations and oral and written communication skills. Strong decision making, analytical and organizational skills. Ability to work with students with diverse needs at various levels. Ability to develop and implement engaging lessons that facilitate student mastery of the Colorado Academic Standards. Critical thinking and problem solving skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job. Ability to promote and follow Board and District policies, Superintendent policies and building/department procedures. Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively in a team setting Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator. Ability to utilize formative and summative assessments to access student learning. Ability to implement IEP's, 504's, and behavior support plans. Microcomputers and general office equipment. Microsoft Office applications. Student Information Systems.