Special Education Coach

Portland Public Schools:
Special Education Coach

Portland Public Schools is seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Education professional to serve as a Special Education Coach, providing direct support to students and staff across general education, alternative, and special education programs. Under the direction of the Special Education Supervisor, this role partners with building staff to promote inclusive, equitable practices by supporting the implementation of adult support plans, fostering student independence, and enhancing data collection systems aligned with district goals.

Designed to build staff capacity and advance instructional excellence, this position supports paraprofessional growth through ongoing coaching cycles, modeling, feedback, and reflective practice. The ideal candidate is passionate about equity, deeply committed to student success, and experienced in collaboratively implementing inclusive practices and individualized education programs (IEPs) with both staff and families.

The desired candidate would possess the following attributes:

• Knowledge of the principles and methods used in teaching exceptional children
• Knowledge of barriers involved in developing and improving special education programs
• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to special education and compliance
• Working knowledge of the Common Core State Standards and Essential Elements
• Demonstrated success working with, developing, and implementing tiered intervention strategies

Eligible candidates must meet the following qualifications
:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a field of study related to special education, Masters degree preferred
• Valid Michigan teaching license with Special Education endorsement
• Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience
• Minimum of 2 years special education teaching experience
• Demonstrated experience providing academic interventions to elementary-aged (K-5) students.
• Demonstrated experience implementing behavior supports and intervention strategies to elementary-aged (K-5) students.
• Knowledge of effective, research-based instructional strategies and interventions.
• Ability to analyze assessment data to inform instructional and intervention decisions.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Primary responsibilities, however not limited to:

• Works with staff, students, parents, district, and community to build a shared vision of learning for students with disabilities.
• Works with staff, students, families, and community agencies to support students and programs which align to the district and building goals.
• Assists staff with evidence-based instructional strategies, service delivery, IEP development, and program development.
• Uses 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 instructional strategies which meet the individualized needs of students with disabilities.
• Consults with building administrators and leadership teams MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) model implementation relative to intensifying interventions and programming for students with disabilities.
• Works with staff to develop meaningful lEP’s and programming to support increased student growth and achievement for students with disabilities.
• Provides professional development on best practices in literacy and math instruction across the curriculum as it relates to a continuum of programming for students with disabilities.
• Provide district and building professional development and coaching.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement coaching models and cycles of support for buildings
• Works with district administrators and principals building and district systems, processes, training, and shared leadership to ensure full compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education(MARSE), and Portland Public Schools Strategic Plan.
• Ensures compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), and other applicable rules and regulations.
• A…