Chaffee County High School Teacher

Position Purpose Chaffee County High School is looking for a creative, flexible teacher to design and lead elective courses built around student interests, your passions, and expertise. This is a rare opportunity to create engaging, hands‑on classes from the ground up for students who thrive when learning is relevant, active, and meaningful. If you've ever thought, "If I could design my own class, I'd teach…" - we want to hear that idea. What You'll Do Design and teach unique elective courses aligned with student interests and real‑world skills Create a project‑based, hands‑on learning environment that engages alternative education students Build meaningful relationships and help students reconnect with learning Collaborate with a small team in all programming decisions Encourage curiosity, creativity, and confidence through flexible instruction Adapt curriculum to meet students where they are academically and personally This position allows significant autonomy to build elective classes around student interests. Possible course ideas might include: Creative Media & Podcasting Automotive Basics or Small Engine Repair Art, Design & Street Art Culture Music Production & Audio Engineering Culinary Skills & Food Culture Film Making & Digital Storytelling Community Projects & Service Learning The Students Understand how to build rapport with at‑risk students Have strong classroom structures and consistent routines Hold firm boundaries while responding with compassion Believe learning should be relevant and engaging Are comfortable with flexibility and creativity Understand that school can look different We're Looking For Someone Who Thinks outside the traditional classroom Is comfortable with project‑based and experiential learning Builds strong connections with students Is adaptable, creative, and solutions‑oriented Believes every student deserves a fresh start and a meaningful learning experience Essential Job Functions Develop and teach engaging electives determined by staff and student interest Assist and guide students through online and in‑person curriculum Develop meaningful connections with students, fostering belonging, confidence, and leadership in a small, supportive school community Supervise students working on individual projects, offering guidance, coaching, and resources to help students stay focused and productive Assist with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and keep students on task Utilize educational and behavioral strategies to reinforce instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs Facilitate and support individual student projects Monitor student internships and work studies Facilitate community service activities Participating in the CCHS Community as a Whole Support the CCHS mission and vision Lead and participate in all‑school field trips (primarily day trips, 2‑3 overnight per year) Connect with local resources to support student academics, projects, well‑being, and post‑secondary goals Chaperone CCHS students at joint BVHS/CCHS dances (1‑2 times per year) Advocate for and represent alternative education in the Buena Vista community Support a positive school environment by supervising breaks Maintain accurate and ongoing records to document student learning and behavior May assist in maintaining documents, files, and records for compliance purposes Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent Qualifications A CDE teaching license with an endorsement in a 6‑12 core subject area is preferred (minimum of a Substitute Teacher Authorization through Colorado Department of Education required) Bachelor's from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment; Master's Degree preferred Successful prior teaching experience preferred Possible interest in obtaining a second subject endorsement Passion for academic content and ability to share passion with teens Interest in taking on leadership roles within the school Growth mindset for self and others Clear written and verbal communication skills Experience working with special needs or at‑risk students Understanding of the impact of trauma on teens Confidence with juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously Comfort using electronic tools — G‑Suite (particularly Sheets and Classroom), curriculum websites, etc. Positive sense of humor and thick skin Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based on student learning styles Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed Ability to organize and coordinate work Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents Ability to engage in self‑evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work Physical and mental demands: works in standard office and school building environments Contract 178‑day contract based on academic calendar in coordination with the supervisor Compensation Base pay BA Step 1 on the Certified Teacher salary schedule (placement on the salary schedule is dependent on certification, education and experience) Benefits Included based on Administrative Policy FLSA Status Exempt #J-18808-Ljbffr Buena Vista School District R 31