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Position Type: Elementary School Teaching/SEL Date Posted: 3/6/2026 Location: Ayres Elementary School Date Available: 08/03/2026 Closing Date: 4/15/26 or until filled   Additional Information: Show/Hide HIRING FOR 2026/2027 SCHOOL YEAR RE-1 Valley School District is seeking a compassionate and student-centered Elementary Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist to support the social, emotional, and behavioral development of students in grades K-2. The ideal candidate believes that strong emotional skills build strong learners and is committed to creating safe, supportive, and engaging school environments where all students can thrive. REPORTS TO: Building Principal SALARY RANGE & CATEGORY: $46,634 - $69,796 on Teacher Salary Schedule FLSA STATUS: Exempt WORK CALENDAR: 177 days FTE: 1.0 Full-time with benefits; 4-day school week (Tuesday - Friday) Position Summary The Elementary SEL Specialist supports the development of foundational social-emotional skills for students in K-2. This role focuses on prevention, early intervention, and proactive systems that promote positive behavior, emotional regulation, and a healthy school climate. The specialist works collaboratively with teachers, families, and support staff to strengthen Tier I, II, and III supports within the school's MTSS framework. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Direct Student Support * Deliver age-appropriate SEL lessons in classrooms * Facilitate small groups focused on self-regulation, coping skills, friendship skills, and problem-solving * Support students in developing executive functioning and emotional awareness * Provide short-term, solution-focused student support Classroom & Teacher Support * Coach teachers on classroom-based SEL strategies and regulation supports * Assist with behavior intervention plans and progress monitoring * Model de-escalation and restorative strategies * Support implementation of PBIS expectations and recognition systems Systems & Program Implementation * Support schoolwide SEL curriculum implementation * Assist with MTSS data review and intervention planning * Monitor behavior and climate data to guide support decisions * Help coordinate Tier II and Tier III behavior supports Collaboration & Family Communication * Participate in MTSS, IEP, and 504 meetings as appropriate * Communicate with families regarding SEL strategies and student growth * Collaborate with counselors, psychologists, and special education staff * Connect families with community mental health resources when needed Professional Responsibilities * Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA * Participate in professional development related to SEL and trauma-informed practices * Support district and building improvement goals * Maintain required documentation and records * CPI or district-approved de-escalation training required * RE-1 Valley employees shall comply with standard practices and ethical conduct toward information and information technology, students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community. In conscientiously conducting his or her affairs, the employee shall exemplify the highest standards of professional commitment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Strong understanding of elementary child development * Knowledge of early behavioral intervention and regulation strategies * Ability to build strong relationships with young children * Skill in teaching emotional vocabulary and coping strategies * Strong collaboration and communication skills * Ability to remain calm and solution-oriented in high-stress situations Education & Experiences * Bachelor's degree in Education, School Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field * Master's Degree in Counseling preferred and will be given first consideration * Valid Colorado Department of Education License as Special Service Provider in the area of School Counselor or willing to work towards certification and able to obtain a Temporary Educator Eligibility as a School Counselor (Additional coursework required for eligibility toward a Colorado License is required or must be completed within an agreed-upon timeframe) * Experience working with middle school students * Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and behavior support systems * Experience with PBIS and MTSS frameworks preferred * Training in restorative practices preferred * Experience teaching explicit SEL lessons preferred * Bilingual skills preferred Working Conditions * Classroom setting * Ability to move throughout classroom * Occasional evening events (parent conferences, school activities) Evaluation Performance will be evaluated in accordance with district policy and the Colorado Teacher Evaluation System. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: see attached link Physical Requirements and Working Conditions - CLICK HERE Application and Selection Procedure: * Candidates: Apply online at * Completed and submitted online application. * A current cover letter or letter of interest detailing information about the candidate and their interest in the position. * A current, professional resume. * Three current professional letters of reference. If you do not have internet access, a computer is available in the Human Resources Division, Hagen Education Center, 301 Hagen, Sterling, Colorado. * Applications are reviewed to match candidates with position qualifications, and a limited number of candidates are selected for interviews. For the final selection, employment is contingent upon completing the post-offer screening process, including a background check and possible medical examination. Benefits & Eligibility: RE-1 Valley School District is proud to offer eligible employees excellent benefits, which may include: * Employer-paid health insurance. * Optional dental and vision insurance. * Supplemental Life Insurance * Flexible Spending Plans * Retirement Savings Plans Follow helpful link below for more insurance information Insurance Information - CLICK HERE Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Additional Notation: All staff are to be cognizant of policies regarding confidentiality. All District Board of Education policies may be viewed from the District's website. RE-1 Valley School District has two high schools, one middle school, one junior high school, three elementary schools and two preschools and serves approximately 1,910 students in the Sterling and Iliff/Crook areas, employing about 400 staff. RE-1 Valley School District utilizes a 4-day school week schedule (Tuesday-Friday). RE-1 Valley employs highly qualified, dedicated staff who believe our mission is to prepare all students for productive, successful lives beyond school through a balanced curriculum, activities, community experiences, global awareness, high expectations and interaction among students, parents and community. Visit the District website at for more information including updated job postings and salary schedules. Caliche Elementary and Caliche Jr/Sr High School, located outside Iliff, CO, are a part of RE-1 Valley School District. The District Administration Center is located in Sterling, CO (Logan County) in the Northeastern corner of Colorado on Interstate 76 alongside the Platte River. Having the largest population, approximately 13,900, in Logan County and much of the surrounding area, Sterling offers shopping, restaurants, numerous parks, a recreation center, access to medical care and is located near North Sterling Reservoir. Sterling is approximately 1 1/2 hours from Denver International Airport and 2 hours from Denver and the Front Range (I-25 corridor). RE-1 Valley School District is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. RE-1 Valley School District makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.