Special Education Instructional Coach

Special Education Instructional Coach

The Winnetka Public Schools District 36 has an opening for a full-time Special Education Instructional Coach for the  School Year. The Student Services Instructional Coach is a collaborative, hands-on educator responsible for providing targeted support, coaching, and professional development to special education teachers and staff. This role involves working closely with teachers to improve instructional practices, ensure adherence to individualized education plans (IEPs), and promote inclusive and differentiated teaching methods to meet the needs of all students with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the development and implementation of high-quality instructional programming for students with disabilities aligned to district curriculum and special education requirements.
• Work collaboratively with special education and general education teachers to design lessons that integrate differentiated instruction, specially designed instruction, accommodations, and/or modifications aligned to IEP goals.
• Support alignment between IEP goals, core curriculum, intervention planning, and instructional scope and sequence.
• Assist teachers in developing and refining measurable IEP goals and progress monitoring systems connected to grade-level standards and student growth.
• Support the development and implementation of common curriculum-based and IEP-related assessments.
• Assist staff in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting student data to inform instructional decisions and continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide guidance to ensure accurate and timely documentation aligned with special education requirements in collaboration with administrators.
• Initiate and build highly respectful, trusting, collaborative relationships with special education and general education staff.
• Promote inclusive classroom environments that support access, belonging, and high expectations for students with disabilities.
• Support co-teaching partnerships and collaborative problem-solving between general and special educators.
• Model evidence-based instructional practices for students with disabilities, including differentiation, scaffolded instruction, executive functioning supports, behavior supports, and engagement strategies.
• Plan, support, and deliver professional development related to special education instruction, inclusive practices, data collection, and progress monitoring.

Qualifications:

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Special Education endorsement, school psychologist endorsement, and/or general education teaching endorsement with prior instructional coaching experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Special Education (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a classroom special education teacher.
• Proven experience in differentiating instruction and implementing accommodations/modifications for students with a variety of disabilities.
• Strong knowledge of special education laws, including IDEA, 504, and other relevant legislation.
• Familiarity with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
• Demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback and support to colleagues.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, parents, and support staff.
• Knowledge of assessment tools and methods for tracking student progress.

Terms of Employment:
Salary and fringe benefits will be in accordance with the Winnetka Professional Agreement.