Special Education Instructional Coach

SUMMARY:

The Instructional Coach is responsible for improving the academic experience and outcomes of K-12 students who receive special education services. The Instructional Coach works directly with special education teachers, general education teachers and support staff to enhance instructional practices, increase student access to the general education curriculum, analyze school data and trends and ensure federal and state compliance. The Instructional Coach trains, coaches and supports teachers and support staff in identifying, developing, and implementing curriculum, assessment, and instructional strategies designed to improve the learning of students with disabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Trains and develops special education teachers at assigned schools on special education protocols in alignment with state and local policies.
• Observes, mentors, coaches and provides feedback to special education teachers at assigned schools throughout the school year on instructional best practices, implementation of accommodations, modifications during instruction and the creation of specially designed instruction (SDI) for students with IEPs.
• Executes model lessons for teachers at assigned schools. Assists teachers with planning and pacing of lessons, the development of differentiated lessonsand the selection of best practices to meet the needs of their students.
• Creates and implements coaching plans and/or development plans for each teacher and paraprofessional on caseload. Ensures that teachers and paraprofessionals are on track for continual improvement.
• Supports special education teachers with data collection including progress monitoring, service logs and surveys for the completion of IEPs.
• Facilitates monthly Professional Learning Committee (PLC) meetings and Global Psychological teacher and paraprofessional department meetings.
• Assists in compliance reporting and audit preparation.
• Trains, coaches, observes and provides instruction and feedback to paraprofessionals at assigned schools.
• Completes performance evaluations for teachers and paraprofessionals.
• Supports action planning focused on students receiving special education services.
• Supports with scheduling district and state assessments (NWEA, PSAT, ACT, SAT, etc.).
• Acts as a liaison between special education teaches and support staff and coordinators/ case managers and directors.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge of special education requirements in K-12 school settings, commensurate with a Masters degree and five (5) years of experience.
• Advanced customer service skills including proactively and effectively responding to customer needs and practices, with follow-up to ensure customer needs are met.
• Interacts and articulates sensitively, with diplomacy and tact, at all levels of the organization and in a multicultural and diverse communities, including the ability to utilize principles and methods of effective and persuasive speaking.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills including grammar, punctuation and ability to persuade.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and build effective working relationships, while collaborating with others to accomplish business objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to apply principles of critical thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, analyze and interpret data, reports and effect corrective action.
• Manages time effectively and efficiently, with strategies in place to meet deadlines and commitments of multiple projects.
• Advanced proficiency utilizing various platforms and software programs.

CORE VALUES as Exemplified:

Service - We exist to serve the "greater good" by constantly creating opportunities for growth.

Impact - We strive to make a positive impact in every interaction with the individuals, organizations, communities and systems we serve.

Accountability - We believe in evaluating our own performance, giving and receiving constructive feedback with mutual respect and applying what we learn.

Responsibility - We believe we have a responsibility to bring positive change to the education industry, to our community and to society at large.

Understanding - Every customer requires a unique approach. We seek to understand the historical, cultural, emotional and environmental factors that shape our customers' thoughts, actions and behavior,

Connectedness - We are strongest when we embrace our interdependence and support one another within our complex web of connections. We realize that people are emotional belings and success is influenced by motivation, collaboration and trust.

Aspiration - We are an organization that dreams. We see the good in all people and organizations We realize that we are not perfect, that we will make mistakes and that learning from those mistakes drives progress. We love embracing life and the successes and failures that influence growth and development.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of Master's degree in education, curriculum and instruction or related field.
• Must possess current state teaching certificate (or equivalent) with a special education endorsement. School administrator or Central Office Certification preferred.
• At least five years of special education experience.
• At least two years of coaching, training and superivisory experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

• Will be in a seated position working on a computer for long period of time.
• Will travel to school settings and will be in school settings which could have variations in temperature, may have stairs, may use cleaning agents with strong smells, may be exposed to different types of foods in children's lunches and may be exposed to illnesses.
• Will stand, walk and sit when meeting with and instructing staff.

POSITIONS SUPERVISED

Special Education Staff (e.g. Resource Room Teachers, Paraprofessionals)