Special Education Coach Lower Elementary

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Special Education Coach Lower Elementary

Reports to: Director of Special Education Instruction and Director of Special Education Compliance

This role partners with general education teachers, special education teachers, interventionists, and leadership to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive instructional models aligned with the school’s ELA framework and MTSS structure. The Special Education Coach Lower Elementary works to strengthen Tier 1 instruction, support Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions, and ensure effective implementation of inclusive practices across all classrooms. As well as supporting high level special education classrooms.  The Special Education Coach Lower Elementary must be familiar with the UDL framework to successfully provide classroom support, coaching, and in-service workshops that merge instructional best practices. This is a 12-month position.

Who We Are….

Our mission is to provide an exemplary educational program that includes all students. Our developmentally appropriate, student and family-centered educational approach nurtures students to expand their developmental skills, in order to build a foundation for life-long learning. Our Core Values are:

• Responsibility

• Engagement

• Acceptance

• Creativity

• Honesty

We utilize the Universal Design for Learning Framework as the foundation for building student agency and framing the essential work needed to meet our mission and organization goals.

Who Are We Looking For

We are seeking passionate educators to build an inclusive PK-5 school community. We are seeking committed individuals to provide high-quality and innovative instruction to a diverse student community.  We are seeking individuals who recognize that they are in a position of public trust and are held to a high standard of personal and professional conduct.  If you are a dedicated educator who is passionate about creating a culture of inclusion and respect, we invite you to join our team. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and build a brighter future for our community.

As an Inclusion Special Education Coach, you will be responsible for,

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Provide job-embedded coaching and support for PK–1 teachers to implement IEP accommodations and modifications effectively within the classroom.

• Provide targeted coaching and support to teachers who are struggling with instruction and/or classroom management. 
• Coach new teachers on IEP-specific elements related to IEP and AED development and case management.
• Provide demonstration lessons and classroom modeling of inclusive strategies. 
• Model UDL-aligned instructional practices that increase student engagement, representation, and expression.
• Support teachers in implementing structured literacy practices and evidence-based reading instruction.
• Support inclusive practices that allow students with disabilities to access grade-level curriculum.
  
• Collaborate with classroom teams to strengthen co-teaching models, inclusive classroom practices and instruction in high level special education classrooms.
• Facilitate co-planning and co-teaching models that strengthen collaboration between general education and special education teachers.
• Conduct classroom walkthroughs and provide actionable feedback aligned to instructional priorities.
• Participate fully in professional development for coaches, including peer observations, professional research and reading, and inquiry sessions.

• Work collaboratively and collegially with curriculum and other building specialists.
• Develop ongoing benchmarking tools based on the curriculum.  
• Conduct quarterly data team meetings with teachers and coach them to use data to inform instruction and intervention. 
• Report assessment results to the Instructional Leadership Team and other stakeholders.
• Hold weekly curriculum planning, professional learning communities (PLCs)
• Hold monthly data meetings with Resource Room and Co-Teachers to assess progress towards IEP goals.  
• Manage assessments and analysis of student achievement data in academics and adaptive areas.
• Support the administration of high-stakes assessments in collaboration with other Instructional Leaders, including participating in and conducting training, compiling test documents, monitoring, and participating in test administration.
• Collaborate with RSPs to embed adaptive, social, communication, and functional skills into classrooms. 
• Attend and participate in school events outside of regular school hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhering to the 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. work day
• Regularly attends work and adheres to all attendance policies.
• Be on time for duties, team meetings, and professional development activities. Communicate about and plan for absences in advance with teaching teams and the Principal.
• Conduct weekly Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings.
• Seek out additional opportunities for professional development that will lead to achieving personal and school-wide professional development goals.
• Reading provided school information and adhering to all deadlines.
• Respond to all emails within 24 hours or the next business day. 
• Other professional duties as assigned.   

SCHOOL CULTURE 

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students. 
• Communicate respectfully with students, staff, and families at all times. 
• Model, practice, and discuss respectful, unbiased, and effective communication with students.
• Other school culture expectations as assigned.  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree from an accredited college/university in Education, including, but not limited to, Special Education, Instructional Leadership/or Curriculum and Instruction.
• Have a minimum of five years of special education experience, including three years instructing students with moderate special needs utilizing a modified curriculum, with 2 years of teaching experience in an urban setting (preferred).
• Have prior knowledge and training in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), preferred.
• COVID-19 vaccine preferred,  but not required.
• Current OSSE Teaching License /Or Eligible for Reciprocity from another State or Territory preferred.
• Experience in research-based instructional practices.
• Previous coaching or teacher leadership experience.
• Demonstrates flexibility, creativity, innovation, and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of behavioral principles and instructional strategies for students with autism and developmental disabilities.
• Exhibit superior ability to coach/consult with staff members with a variety of skill sets and educational experiences.
• Display excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate. effectively with colleagues, parents, community members, and staff members.
• Demonstrate strong skills in partnering with other team members.
• Possess excellent time-management skills and the ability to work independently.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.
• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community-minded.

SALARY & BENEFITS

$82,500 - $104,500

Salary is based on educational level, certification(s), and years of experience. 
A $2000 add-on will be awarded to those with a valid, relevant DC certification. 
The successful candidate will be contracted yearly.  Employment will be renewed according to evaluations and staff interest. Child care and health savings plans, pre-tax deduction for Metro, bike racks, and regular staff engagement and wellness activities. Staff lounge and lactation room for nursing mothers. Health benefits (medical & dental), disability insurance, and a retirement plan: 401 (k) with a 4% match or the continuation of the DCPS retirement plan.

To ensure safety for all students, all staff members will be fingerprinted. Background checks will be conducted on all school staff prior to their service as employees.  For more information about the school, please visit