Special Education Instructional Coach and Program Support Specialist

SUMMARY:

The Special Education Instructional Coach and Program Support Specialist will provide job-embedded, sustainable professional development, instructional coaching, and technical assistance to special education teachers across Marquette-Alger RESA and local districts. This position is designed to build educator capacity, support instructional excellence, and promote teacher longevity and effectiveness through ongoing collaboration, coaching cycles, modeling, feedback, and reflective practice.

The Specialist will work alongside educators and leaders to implement evidence-based practices, enhance student outcomes, and ensure compliance with state and federal special education laws, policies, and regulations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with a K-12 Special Education endorsement.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful special education teaching experience.
• Demonstrated ability to individualize instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Experience in developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in special education, curriculum standards, assessment practices, and behavior management.
• Knowledge of behavioral intervention plans/functional behavioral assessments.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Ability to analyze student data and use results to improve instructional practice.
• Proficiency in technology tools to support instruction and coaching (e.g., Google Suite, data management systems).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field.
• Experience providing professional development and/or coaching to adult learners.
• Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Positive Behavior Supports (PBIS), and standards-based IEP development.
• Familiarity with local educational agencies (LEAs) within Marquette and Alger counties.
  
   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Instructional Coaching and Support:
  • Provide one-on-one and team-based coaching cycles aligned to instructional best practices and student needs.
  • Model high-leverage instructional strategies, specially designed instruction (SDI), and effective classroom management techniques.
  • Co-plan, co-teach (model), observe, and provide constructive feedback to special education staff.
• Professional Development and Capacity Building:
  • Design and deliver job-embedded professional learning sessions focused on evidence-based instructional strategies, differentiated instruction, data-driven decision-making, and compliance with IEP goals.
  • Facilitate collaborative learning communities, workshops, and trainings to enhance teacher practice and leadership capacity.
• Program and Compliance Support:
  • Assist with the development, implementation, and progress monitoring of IEPs to ensure alignment with academic standards and student needs.
  • Support teachers in effective use of accommodations, modifications, and behavior intervention strategies.
  • Collaborate with local and RESA administrators to ensure fidelity to state and federal regulations, compliance indicators, and procedural safeguards.
• Data-Informed Practice:
  • Guide teachers in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of student data to inform instruction and measure progress toward IEP goals.
  • Support ongoing data use through consultation, training, and reflective dialogue.
• Collaborative Leadership:
  • Serve as a mentor and thought partner for new and experienced special education teachers.
  • Partner with school leaders and multidisciplinary teams to address systemic challenges and promote inclusive practices.
  • Support program development efforts focused on instructional improvement and student achievement.
• Other Duties:
  • Maintain accurate records and provide timely documentation of coaching activities, supports provided, and outcomes achieved.
  • Attend required meetings, professional learning activities, and maintain confidentiality regarding student, staff, and district information.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Special Education Director or designee.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

• Must keep the affairs of Marquette-Alger RESA and LEAs confidential at all times.
• Must exercise confidentiality and sound judgment in dealing with local districts, staff, students, and parents
• Must effectively orchestrate multiple activities/projects simultaneously to accomplish goals and use resources effectively  
• Must maintain current certification in Handle With Care and Ukeru behavior management procedures and strategies
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with parents/guardians, local school districts, teachers  administration, and community agencies to provide a continuum of services for students.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, as well as classroom management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in computer/software use including Google Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom
• Ability to lift students who have physical disabilities as necessary.
• Position requires a valid driver’s license and routinely requires travel to local school districts in Marquette and Alger counties; Requires occasional travel to other areas of the State.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full time position beginning the 2026-2027 School Year. Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job.

REPORTS TO: Marquette-Alger RESA Special Education Supervisor & Local District Administrators

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:  According to Marquette-Alger RESA MEA Collective Bargaining Agreement

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12:00 p.m., July 3rd, 2026

Marquette-Alger RESA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. Marquette-Alger RESA’s Non-discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation Policy, as well as the grievance procedure for reporting concerns or complaints, are available at maresa.org/about-us/notice-of-nondiscrimination/ .