Special Education Coordinator​/Instructional Coach

Special Education Coordinator / Instructional Coach

Bellwood School District 88

Thurgood Marshall Elementary School

Position Type:
Elementary School Teaching

Date Posted: 7/8/2026

Date Available:

08/03/2026

The Special Education Coordinator/Instructional Coach serves as both the instructional leader and compliance facilitator for special education programming within assigned schools. The position is responsible for supporting high-quality instructional practices, ensuring compliance with federal and state special education requirements, facilitating Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and coaching special education staff to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Working collaboratively with building administrators, general education instructional coaches, and the Director of Special Education and Student Services, the Coordinator/Instructional Coach helps strengthen inclusive instructional practices and expand the District's continuum of services for students with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty as outlined below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities.

• Master's Degree
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with one of the following endorsements:
  • Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1)
  • School Social Worker
  • School Psychologist
  • Speech‑Language Pathologist
  • Other Illinois Special Education‑related endorsement as approved by the District
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in Special Education

• Expertise in IDEA and Illinois special education regulations.
• Knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional coaching.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with staff.
• Strong facilitation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze instructional and student performance data.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to lead change through coaching rather than evaluation.

Demonstrated ability to exercise sound professional judgment and make effective decisions in complex educational situations. Ability to analyze student, instructional, and compliance data; interpret federal, state, and district regulations; prioritize multiple responsibilities; facilitate collaborative problem‑solving; and resolve issues involving students, staff, and families while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Special Education Compliance and IEP Facilitation

• Coordinate and facilitate annual reviews, reevaluations, manifestation determinations, eligibility meetings, and other required special education meetings.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Illinois State Board of Education regulations, and District procedures.
• Monitor timelines for evaluations, annual reviews, progress reporting, and required documentation.
• Review IEPs for quality, compliance, and instructional alignment prior to finalization according to IDEA and ISBE regulations.
• Support case managers in developing legally compliant, educationally meaningful IEPs.
• Assist with complex parent meetings and facilitate collaborative problem‑solving.
• Support the transition of students entering and exiting the District.
• Collaborate with related service providers regarding scheduling and service implementation.
• Maintain accurate compliance records and required documentation.
• Communicate regularly with the Building Principal and Director of Special Education regarding compliance concerns and procedural issues.

Instructional Coaching

• Provide ongoing instructional coaching to special education teachers through observation, modeling, feedback, and reflective conversations.
• Support teachers in implementing high‑quality specially designed instruction (SDI).
• Coach teachers in evidence‑based instructional strategies that improve student achievement.
• Assist teachers in developing standards‑based IEP goals aligned to student needs.
• Support implementation of inclusive instructional practices and co‑teaching models.
• Collaborate with general education…