School Overview

Inspire. Innovate. Belong.

At Dawson, we believe that exceptional education is built on the strength, expertise, and dedication of our faculty. We seek committed, creative, and engaged educators who embrace collaboration, maintain high expectations for themselves and their students, and foster meaningful relationships with colleagues and families.

As a student-centered, college-preparatory school for grades K-12, Dawson provides a dynamic environment where faculty are empowered to innovate, personalize learning, and inspire students to reach their full potential. Our faculty are not just teachers but mentors and lifelong learners who bring curiosity, empathy, and professionalism to every interaction. They engage in ongoing professional development, apply best practices in education, and contribute to a school culture that values belonging, inquiry, and growth.

Dawson Mission Statement

Dawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning, to become creative, resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world.

Why Join Dawson?

• Innovative Teaching Environment: We foster creativity through hands-on learning and encourage the integration of technology to enhance student experiences.

• Professional Growth: We invest in our educators through workshops, conferences, and collaborative learning opportunities.

• Community Engagement: Become part of a supportive, relationship-driven environment. 

• Work-Life Balance: We prioritize well-being with reasonable class sizes and a collaborative culture.

What You’ll Love About Us

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer contribution.

• Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision plans with HSA/FSA options, plus free telehealth services.

• Wellness: Access to an employee assistance program, on-site gym, outdoor swimming pool, and certified athletic trainer. Enjoy free, chef-prepared lunches and a walkable, secure campus.

• Life Insurance & Voluntary Benefits: Group life insurance with additional voluntary coverage options.

• Time-off: Flexible sick time and paid time off.

• Career and personal development: Support and encouragement for continuous learning and growth, ensuring faculty and staff remain knowledgeable, skilled, and effective in their roles.

• Sustainable: Free parking with access to EV charging stations and ECO Pass for RTD.

• A Strong Sense of Belonging

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate Upper School Learning Specialist  to join our team for the 2025-2026 school year. This role is designed to  facilitate student self-advocacy and responsibility for maximizing individual learning and partner with teachers to integrate best practices in teaching for all learners. This position will also guide students and families of students who require evaluation, support, and resources beyond those provided by Dawson faculty and staff. 

Job Opening is for August 2025

Salary range: $50,000 - $74,000

Position is a 1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE)

At Dawson, you will:

• Shape the region’s strongest college-preparatory program through academic excellence and experiential learning.

• Collaborate with talented colleagues in a supportive and respectful environment.

• Engage in meaningful professional development to refine your craft and advance your career.

• Challenge and support students in a learning community that values curiosity, resilience, and purpose.

• Be part of a school that recognizes and invests in the well-being of its educators through competitive compensation and benefits along with a culture that nurtures both personal and professional fulfillment.

What You’ll Need to Get the Job Done

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education 

• Teaching credential in SPED preferred

• Experience working with students who have a variety of learning differences

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

• Personal warmth and friendliness

• Ability to advocate for students and the school

• Attitude that encourages teamwork and personal responsibility

• Effective time management skills and ability to handle the ebb and flow of the college admissions season

• Proficiency with excel and google systems (drive, sheets, documents)
  

Specifics about the job:

• Work directly with teachers to evaluate strategies for supporting students and identifying students who may need additional diagnostic testing for learning differences

• Interpret testing and design Individual Learning Plans to be implemented by classroom teachers

• Create and maintain the school’s electronic learning profile system and learning support plans for each student who needs additional support. This includes regularly updating student files with information on effective strategies, testing/assessments, reports received, notes on meetings with parents, and classroom accommodations.

• Work with students and families to qualify for appropriate accommodations on standardized tests

• Work closely with divisional student support teams on campus to provide necessary services for students and families

• Collaborate with the learning support team around K-12 learning support initiatives

• Maintain a list of outside support specialists including tutors, educational therapists, psychologists/psychiatrists, and provide information to families as needed

• Remain current with research in areas related to learning support

• Participate in Upper School trips and Winterim and attend Upper School faculty meetings

To apply for this position:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume on the Dawson website (www.dawsonschool.org).  Click on ABOUT at the top of the page, click on Careers, scroll to the middle of the page, click the link View Current Job Openings, and select the Upper School Learning Specialist (Full-Time) posting to apply for this position. Only online applications will be accepted. No phone calls please.  

Dawson School Diversity Statement

Dawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion.

Dawson actively promotes and embraces the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues - respect, compassion, courage, and integrity - into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially responsible decisions.

Acknowledgement

By my submission of my application, I acknowledge and certify that the information herein is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the employer to investigate any information, including my employment history, educational background, credit history and record of criminal convictions that it believes is relevant to my employment application.  My former employers, educational institutions, and personal references may provide information that they may have about me in response to inquiry from the employer. I understand that an offer of employment by the school is contingent upon obtaining reference information learned through the reference check process as well as upon the successful completion of a criminal history check. I understand that false information, omissions or misleading information or misrepresentations given in my application or during the interview process may result in a refusal to hire, or discharge in the event of employment. I understand that I shall be required to provide unexpired documentation establishing my legal authorization for employment within the first three days of my employment. I understand that if employed, my employment will be at will and that I will not have a guarantee of employment. The School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and shall treat all employees and all applicants for the employment equally and fairly based upon job related qualifications and in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.