Transition Coach - Empower U Job Grand Rapids area,Michigan USA,Education / Teaching

Transition Coach – Empower U

This role provides instructional leadership and coaching to strengthen transition services within Empower U. The Transition Coach supports implementation of the Empower U Continuum, strengthens specially designed instruction, and ensures meaningful, compliant transition planning practices across pathways.

The coach partners closely with the Specially Designed Instruction Team and Director of Transition Services to align curriculum, IEP development, compliance expectations, and strategic district priorities. This role focuses on adult capacity building, instructional design, and continuous program improvement.

This position does not provide direct services to students or families.

Minimum Qualifications

Valid Michigan professional certification in an area related to Special Education required.

Master's degree in Special Education or related field preferred.

Experience supporting transition programming, adult outcome-focused instruction, or career pathway development preferred.

Minimum three years of successful experience in special education.

Duties and Responsibilities Instructional Leadership & Program Implementation

Supports implementation and ongoing refinement of the Empower U Continuum.

Coaches cohort teams within pathways to strengthen instructional alignment and pathway fidelity.

Supports implementation and ongoing refinement of Empower U curriculum, assessment systems, and lesson planning processes.

Provides coaching to strengthen engagement, instructional design, and high-quality specially designed instruction.

Supports development and facilitation of Learning Labs to model effective transition instruction.

Supports LRE review and pathway alignment based on student growth and program data.

Aligns program practices with the High Quality Programming Guide.

IEP Development & Compliance

Provides coaching to support meaningful and compliant IEP development aligned to transition standards and adult outcomes.

Supports proactive monitoring and alignment of transition documentation and services.

Collaborates with transition leadership networks including DTLN, Kent TAN, and KIAC to ensure system alignment.

Professional Development

Designs and facilitates professional development sessions (ER and full-day formats) aligned to Empower U goals and identified staff needs.

Builds adult capacity through job-embedded coaching, modeling, feedback, and collaborative problem solving.

Continuous Improvement

Supports data collection, analysis, and program evaluation to strengthen instructional systems.

Contributes to the refinement and innovation of transition programming within Empower U.

Analyzes and interprets special education laws, rules, and best practices related to transition services.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Specially Designed Instruction

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Understanding of transition planning.

Demonstrated experience designing and refining high-quality, differentiated instruction for students with complex learning needs.

Strong instructional coaching and facilitation skills, including the ability to support adult learners through modeling, observation, feedback, and professional development.

Ability to analyze student-level and program-level data to strengthen instructional practices and drive continuous improvement.

Exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills for effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.

Commitment to equity, inclusion, and eliminating barriers to access in postsecondary transition programming.

Proficient in using digital tools for data collection, instructional design, and coaching communication.

Ability to travel between program sites as needed.

Must pass a criminal background check as required by School Safety Legislation.