Special Education Instructional Coach

Job Title: Special Education Instructional Coach 

Qualifications

• Valid Arkansas teaching license with four (4) years of special education experience.
• Training and expertise in instructional coaching models and curriculum implementation techniques

• Science of Reading proficiency

Contract 205 Days

Evaluator (Arkansas TESS Instructional Specialist Rubric)

Assistant Superintendent/Special Education Co-Directors

Special Education Instructional Coaches work under the direct supervision of the Special Education Co-Directors and the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, to ensure continuity of curriculum, programs, initiatives and common language across the district.

Job Goal A Special Education Instructional Coach is an individual holding a valid Arkansas teaching license who facilitates continuous improvement in classroom instruction by providing ongoing support to teachers in effective, research/evidence-based instructional strategies.

Job Performance:

• Inform the design and facilitate implementation of ongoing, job-embedded professional development based on assessed student and teacher needs.
• Provide follow-up instructional coaching of professional development to support effective implementation of research/evidence-based practices.
• Model effective instructional strategies, including instructional technology, in the classroom to support continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
• Conduct non-evaluative classroom visits and provide timely, specific, and meaningful feedback and reflecting on effective practices to improve professional practice.
• Identify research/evidence-based resources/materials appropriate to support the needs of the teachers.
• Provide differentiated assistance to teachers based on individual needs through co-planning, while incorporating co-teaching strategies: noticing/naming, micro-modeling, thinking aloud, and teaching in tandem. 
• Participate in instructional team meetings to support the collaborative identification of essential standards, learning targets, common formative assessments, and the development of lessons/units of study.
• Participate in school-wide and instructional team meetings to assist in analyzing formative, interim, and summative assessment data to inform instruction and school improvement efforts.
• Facilitate communication about research/evidence-based instructional practices and student achievement between and among teachers, within and across grade levels and buildings.
• Assist the Assistant Superintendent and building principals to ensure seamless vertical and horizontal alignment of curricular and instructional standards within and across grade levels.
• Support and promote the district’s mission, vision, values and the implementation of the strategic plan. 

Special Education - Key Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing instructional coaching to special education teachers to enhance evidence-based practices and improve student outcomes.
• Collaborate with general education staff and administrators to support inclusive education and ensure access to the general curriculum for students with disabilities.
• Model and co-teach effective instructional and behavioral strategies within special education and inclusive classrooms.
• Facilitate professional development in areas such as differentiated instruction, IEP implementation, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and co-teaching frameworks.
• Support teachers in developing high-quality, compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that align with student needs and district/state requirements.
• Guide educators through data collection, progress monitoring, and data-driven decision making for specially designed instruction.
• Provide coaching and support related to Due Process procedures, ensuring understanding and implementation of legal and compliance requirements.
• Assist in preparing for and participating in IEP meetings, resolution sessions, and mediation or due process hearings as needed.
• Review and support accurate and timely documentation to ensure alignment with IDEA and district policy.
• Offer coaching on effective parent communication and collaboration, especially in challenging or high-stakes situations.
• Act as a resource for compliance with state and federal special education law and district policies.
• Stay informed on best practices, research, and changes in legislation related to special education and instructional coaching.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Special Education or related field.
• Valid teaching credential with Special Education endorsement.
• Minimum 3–5 years of successful special education teaching experience.
• Experience in instructional coaching, case management, or leadership roles.
• Deep understanding of IDEA, FAPE, LRE, and Due Process procedures.

Strong skills in collaboration, adult learning, communication, and problem-solving.