Behavior Coach

Grand Rapids Public Schools Straight Elementary Building - Grand Rapids, Michigan

This position is responsible for providing educational leadership and expertise regarding behavioral interventions and social emotional learning through technical assistance, professional development, consulting, and coaching to special education program teams.

• Provide training and support to teachers on the critical features and essential practices of behavior management in classroom settings.
• Assist classroom teams with evidence-based curriculum, service delivery, and implementation of high-quality program criteria.
• Use the working knowledge of effective instruction in establishing school processes and routines that engage teachers/staff in regular monitoring of student progress and evaluation, adaptation, and improvement of interventions and strategies to meet individualized needs of students with behavioral needs.
• Collaborate with district teams regarding MTSS model implementation relative to intensifying interventions for social‑emotional growth.
• Work with staff, students, and parents to build a shared vision of social-emotional learning through an MTSS lens.
• Work with staff to deepen student understanding through data analysis and the development of Positive Behavior Support Plans to support increased student growth and achievement around behavior and its function.
• Provide building and district professional development and coaching to work with students with behavioral challenges.
• Learn and use emerging technologies in supporting professional learning.
• Attend IEP meetings as determined for the purpose of facilitating process.
• Participate in building least restrictive environment review meetings with special education staff utilizing a LRE decision‑making matrix.
• Coordinate with staff pursuant to referrals, requests for service, and other identified needs.
• Work with the special education team to establish building and district systems, processes, trainings, and shared leadership to ensure full compliance with the IDEA, Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education, and the Kent ISD Special Education Plan.
• Carry out intervention and program support in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), and district policy and practice.
• Consistently demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Valid Michigan professional certification in an area related to Special Education.
• Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field.
• Three years of successful experience in an education‑related field that includes behavioral services.

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

• Experience developing training and support programs related to mental health/social‑emotional learning.
• Exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of special education laws, rules, regulations, and compliance responsibilities.
• Strong commitment to equity, social justice, and inclusion.
• Experience with supporting behavior through FBA and PBSPs and evidence of fidelity of implementation.
• Trained and willingness to maintain current certification in Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention.
• Ability to handle conflict productively.
• Knowledge of curriculum, instruction, components of social emotional learning, and behavioral science.
• Comprehensive knowledge of research‑based practices in the field of behavioral science, including positive behavioral supports, restorative practices, mindfulness, zones of regulation, and other SEL strategies.
• Ability to work with diverse groups.

Position Type:
Full‑Time

Salary: $52,535 to $94,408 per year

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.