What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Instructional Coach (multiple positions) position at Kankakee School District #111?
Position Title
Special Education Instructional Coach
Payroll/Personnel Type
9- Month (190-days)
Job #:
5255
Reports To
Director of Special Education in collaboration with the School Principal
Shift Length
7.58 hour day
Fte
1.0 FTE
Union Eligibility
Eligible
Kankakee School District #111 is seeking Academic Instructional Coaches—with a special focus on supporting?Special Education teachers—to serve under the supervision of the Director of Special Education and report directly to the Building Principals. In this role, you will be instrumental in building district-wide capacity for instruction across all content areas, collaborating one-on-one and in small groups with classroom teachers to differentiate, assess, and refine teaching practices that meet the needs of diverse learners.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Coaching
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled
Interested candidates should apply online at www.ksd111.org
Dr. James Henderson
Interim Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
EOE/AA/D/V
Special Education Instructional Coach
Payroll/Personnel Type
9- Month (190-days)
Job #:
5255
Reports To
Director of Special Education in collaboration with the School Principal
Shift Length
7.58 hour day
Fte
1.0 FTE
Union Eligibility
Eligible
Kankakee School District #111 is seeking Academic Instructional Coaches—with a special focus on supporting?Special Education teachers—to serve under the supervision of the Director of Special Education and report directly to the Building Principals. In this role, you will be instrumental in building district-wide capacity for instruction across all content areas, collaborating one-on-one and in small groups with classroom teachers to differentiate, assess, and refine teaching practices that meet the needs of diverse learners.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Coaching
- Partner with Special Education teachers and general educators to deepen their expertise in evidence-based strategies across every subject.
- Design and deliver job-embedded professional learning experiences—one-on-one coaching cycles, small-group workshops, and content- or grade-level PLCs—that target goals for students with diverse learning profiles.
- Conduct regular classroom visits to observe instructional delivery, particularly in specialized settings (resource rooms, co-taught classes).
- Provide clear, actionable feedback—both verbal and written—on a consistent schedule to help teachers refine strategies for teaching.
- Collaborate with teachers to examine benchmark, formative, and summative assessment data, including progress monitoring for students with IEP goals.
- Use data insights to co-create targeted intervention plans (e.g., structured literacy approaches, language-rich scaffolds) that address individual student needs.
- Assist teachers in establishing SMART goals for students—aligning IEP objectives and state standards.
- Track progress toward those goals over time and adjust instructional plans or interventions to maximize student growth.
- Facilitate reflective conferences that encourage teachers to examine the impact of their instruction on student outcomes.
- Build trusting, supportive relationships that empower educators to take risks, innovate, and continuously improve their practice.
- Lead workshops and learning labs grounded in Adult Learning Theory, with special modules on:
- Special Education best practices
- Co-teaching best practices in inclusive classrooms
- Tailor PD sessions to address the unique needs of Special Education and general education teams, offering follow-up coaching to embed new skills in daily instruction.
- Support the Instructional Leadership Team in fostering instructional coherence by collaborating with departments such as ESL, Special Education, and others.
- Facilitate collaborative planning meetings and support curriculum alignment to ensure seamless transitions across grades and subject areas.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and deliver high-quality professional learning throughout the school year.
- Actively engage in ongoing professional development to deepen expertise in instructional coaching and leadership.
- Champion DEIB initiatives that ensure all students—regardless of background, ability, or identity—feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
- Embed culturally responsive practices and equity-driven strategies into coaching cycles, professional development, and classroom observations.
- Minimum of five years of related teaching experience.
- Experience shifting instructional practices to improve student achievement and outcomes.
- Experience working in a position as a trainer, mentor, or other position that requires formalized support and training of teachers in order to improve their teaching skills.
- Deep knowledge of and significant experience with the Science of Reading and/or Numeracy and its implementation in the classroom.
- Skilled in guiding adult learners.
- Knowledge of laws and Illinois ISBE recommendations regarding Special Education.
- Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
- LBS1 Special Education Licensure and Grade Level PEL
- Lifelong learner who commits to personal and professional learning and stays on top of educational research.
- Catalyst for change who believes in the innate potential of all students and acts accordingly.
- Reflective practitioner who constantly seeks personal and professional improvement.
- Systems thinker who can support and lead teachers through complex change initiatives.
- Deep commitment to teacher development that leads to student learning.
- Empathetic leader who values relationships and builds trust with others.
- Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle
- Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree
- Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body
- Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, copiers, machines, etc.
- Routine office environment with minimal physical risk.
- Must be willing to work outside of contractual hours.
- This position requires travel between district schools and occasional evening or weekend meetings.
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled
Interested candidates should apply online at www.ksd111.org
Dr. James Henderson
Interim Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
EOE/AA/D/V
