Job Title: Hybrid Dean of Students / Special Education Teacher

Orton Academy

Reports To: Principal

About Orton Academy

At Orton Academy, we believe in unlocking every student's potential by providing structured, research-based interventions tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges.

Orton Academy is a groundbreaking 2-8 charter school authorized by D11 in Colorado Springs, CO. We are a regional leader in dyslexia education, utilizing research-based instruction to create personalized learning experiences that enable students to overcome learning challenges. Our curriculum is rooted in the science of reading and structured literacy, ensuring that students receive the targeted support they need to succeed.

At Orton Academy, we don't just teach-we empower. Our students develop the skills, confidence, and strategies to navigate their academic journeys and beyond. Through individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a supportive learning environment, we are redefining what's possible for students with dyslexia.

Learn more about our unique approach at https://ortonk8.org

Philosophy and Vision Alignment

Our Why:

• We exist to ensure that students with dyslexia have access to high-quality, research-based instruction tailored to their unique learning needs.
• We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to develop confidence in their abilities and achieve their full potential.
• We are committed to instilling hope, igniting purpose, and empowering students to succeed academically and personally.

Our How:

• By implementing evidence-based instructional methods that prioritize the science of reading.
• By fostering an inclusive, nurturing, and student-centered learning environment.
• By equipping students with self-advocacy skills and strategies that empower them for lifelong success.

Our What:

• We are a community of educators, students, and families committed to breaking down learning barriers and championing student success.
• We provide specialized instruction tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia, ensuring they develop essential literacy and academic skills.
• We ensure that every graduate leaves Orton Academy with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to excel in their future pursuits.

Position Overview

The Hybrid Dean of Students / Special Education Teacher plays a critical role in fostering a positive, structured, and inclusive school environment while ensuring that students with diverse learning needs receive high-quality, individualized instruction and support. This position blends student culture, behavior, and discipline leadership with direct special education services, ensuring all students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

Key Responsibilities

Dean of Students Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a positive school culture that promotes respect, responsibility, and accountability.
• Oversee student behavior systems, including discipline, restorative practices, and intervention plans.
• Support staff in classroom management strategies and behavior interventions.
• Manage student attendance, including monitoring trends and implementing improvement strategies.
• Facilitate communication with families regarding behavior, attendance, and student well-being.
• Coordinate and supervise student supervision systems (arrival, dismissal, transitions, etc.).
• Lead or support student recognition programs and culture-building initiatives.
• Collaborate with administration on school-wide policies and procedures.

Special Education Teacher Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction and services to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs within general and small group settings.
• Conduct assessments and contribute to eligibility and reevaluation processes.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusion and co-teaching models.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of student progress and compliance requirements.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and goals.

Shared / Cross-Functional Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the school's leadership and student support teams.
• Analyze student data (academic, behavioral, attendance) to inform interventions.
• Support Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) frameworks.
• Provide professional development and coaching to staff on behavior and special education best practices.
• Build strong relationships with students to support engagement and success.
• Ensure compliance with all district, state, and federal policies related to student services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Education, Special Education, or related field.
• Valid teaching license with Special Education endorsement (required).
• Administrative or leadership experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of IEP development, IDEA compliance, and behavior intervention strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in a school leadership or dean role.
• Background in trauma-informed practices and restorative justice.
• Ability to balance compliance-driven responsibilities with student-centered support.
• Strong commitment to equity and inclusive education.

Work Environment & Expectations

• This role requires balancing instructional responsibilities with leadership duties.
• Flexibility to respond to student needs throughout the school day.
• Active presence in classrooms, hallways, and school events.

Salary, Benefits, and Terms

• Salary $65,000 - $80,000 / Annual Salary
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401(k) – No PERA
• Full time – Administrative Year
• Work year and hours shall be those established by Orton Academy.
• Performance evaluations will be conducted in accordance with school policy

Equal Employment Opportunity

Orton Academy seeks to comply with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

The Board of Directors at Orton Academy has contracted with Minga Education Group (MEG) to provide employment services for all staff who work at Orton Academy. Through this partnership, MEG provides OA with employment services, a personnel system for human resources, benefits, payroll services, and access to a 401(k) plan. For naming purposes, Minga Education Group is the employer.