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
- Role Split: ~70% Special Education Coordination / 30% Teaching
- 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)
- Start Date: July 20, 2026
WHAT YOU'LL DO
As a founding Special Education Coordinator/Teacher at MCA, you will serve in a dual role: leading and building the school’s special education program (60%) while also delivering rigorous, content-rich classroom instruction aligned with MCA’s classical education philosophy (40%). 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.
Special Education Coordination (60%)
- Lead IEP development, implementation, and ongoing management for all eligible students, ensuring each IEP reflects meaningful goals, appropriate services, and measurable outcomes aligned with student needs.
- Ensure full school-wide compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Colorado Exceptional Children’s Educational Act (ECEA), including all procedural safeguards and timelines.
- Coordinate and lead all evaluation and re-evaluation processes, including eligibility determinations, multidisciplinary team meetings, and manifestation determinations, in compliance with federal and state timelines.
- Serve as MCA’s primary special education liaison to the Montrose County School District (MCSD) in accordance with the charter contract Exhibit B, including participation in required communications, data submissions, and collaborative processes with MCSD special education staff.
- Coordinate related services delivery, including speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, school psychology, and counseling, ensuring seamless, student-centered service coordination across all providers.
- Build and continuously improve school-wide systems for special education referral, evaluation, progress monitoring, and transition planning to support early identification and intervention.
- Provide coaching, co-planning support, and professional guidance to general education teachers and paraprofessionals on implementing IEP accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction.
- Partner closely with families throughout the IEP process, from initial referral through annual review, ensuring families are informed, included, and empowered as equal participants in educational decision-making.
- Maintain accurate, organized, and fully compliant special education records, documentation systems, and compliance reporting in coordination with the School Leader and MCSD.
- Lead or participate in professional development for MCA staff on special education law, inclusive practices, and supporting students with diverse learning needs.
Direct Instruction (40%)
- 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 and never miss a deadline or procedural requirement
- You keep current with changes in special education law and best practices
A Systems Builder
- You build clear, efficient systems for referral, evaluation, IEP management, and progress monitoring
- You create structures that make it easy for colleagues to support students with diverse learning needs
- You see coordination as a form of leadership and approach it with intentionality and care
- You continuously improve systems based on data, feedback, and student outcomes
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 and/or coordination, 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 (Master's preferred)
- 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 Coordinator/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:$60,000-$65,000 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, sexual 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: $60,000-65,000 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: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Question 1 – IEP Development & Compliance
MCA's Special Education Coordinator/Teacher is responsible for developing and implementing all IEPs while ensuring compliance with IDEA 2004, Section 504, and Colorado's Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA). Describe your experience leading the IEP process from initial evaluation through annual reviews. How do you balance legal compliance requirements with creating meaningful, individualized goals that truly serve each student's needs? Give a specific example of an IEP you developed that resulted in significant student progress.
- Question 2 – Dual Role: Coordination & Direct Instruction
This position is approximately 70% special education coordination (IEP management, compliance, staff training, MCSD liaison) and 30% direct instruction to students. Describe your experience managing multiple responsibilities in a special education role. How do you prioritize competing demands, such as preparing for an IEP meeting while also planning differentiated instruction for your students? What systems or strategies do you use to ensure nothing falls through the cracks?
- Question 3 – Building Inclusive Systems in a Startup Charter School
As MCA's founding Special Education Coordinator, you will build our special education program from the ground up - creating referral processes, evaluation systems, service delivery models, and compliance protocols that will scale as we grow from K-5 to K-8. Describe your experience establishing special education systems (e.g. Frontline), training general education teachers on inclusive practices, or leading special education initiatives. How do you create a culture where students with disabilities are valued members of every classroom while ensuring they receive the specialized support they need?
Work Location: In person
