Instructional Coach

Job Title: Instructional Coach


Reports to: Program Director - Ottawa Area Center (OAC)

Position Summary


The Instructional Coach at OAC provides instructional leadership and consultative support within a center-based program serving students with moderate to severe cognitive and behavioral needs. This role coaches educators and staff in implementing individualized academic, behavioral, communication, and functional programming aligned with IEP goals and evidence-based practices. Responsibilities include analyzing student data, supporting curriculum and assessment implementation, and leading MTSS systems to improve student outcomes. The position collaborates closely with teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families to ensure compliance with special education requirements and effective service delivery. Additionally, the instructional coach develops and facilitates professional learning, strengthens classroom systems, and supports continuous program improvement across the school setting.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

1. Provide instructional coaching, consultation, and technical assistance to teachers, classroom staff, and educational teams serving students with significant cognitive, behavioral, communication, and developmental disabilities.
2. Collaborate with teachers, administrators, related service providers, families, and multidisciplinary teams to support student success, problem solve educational concerns, and ensure effective implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
3. Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of individualized instructional programs, accommodations, behavior supports, and intervention plans based on student needs and assessment data.
4. Analyze student assessment, benchmark, behavioral, progress-monitoring, and program data to inform instructional decisions, evaluate student growth, and support continuous improvement efforts.
5. Develop, coordinate, and facilitate professional development, coaching, staff training, and implementation support related to curriculum, instructional practices, MTSS, behavior support systems, and evidence-based interventions.
6. Support the implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of specialized curriculum, instructional materials, assessment systems, and educational resources designed for students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments.
7. Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavior support systems, MTSS frameworks, crisis response procedures, and positive behavior support practices within center-based programs.
8. Provide modeling, feedback, and ongoing support to staff to strengthen instructional effectiveness, classroom systems, behavior management practices, and implementation fidelity.
9. Coordinate and participate in IEP Team meetings, program planning meetings, staffings, compliance activities, and other multidisciplinary team processes.
10. Complete and maintain required documentation related to IEP development, progress monitoring, special education compliance, meeting coordination, and state and district reporting requirements.
11. Support building and district initiatives that promote student achievement, inclusion, positive behavior, and continuous program improvement.
12. Perform other functions as assigned.

These functions and responsibilities are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions that may be performed by such a person.

Employment Qualifications

Education:


Master's degree or equivalent required.

Experience:


Requires five (5) to seven (7) years of related experience working in special education settings serving students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments, autism spectrum disorder, and/or complex behavioral needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities:


None.

Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations:


A valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with appropriate Special Education endorsement(s); Cognitive Impairment (CI) or ASD endorsement is required. Ability to obtain and maintain the completion of an approved educator preparation program and all required Michigan certification assessments is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

1. Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, IEP development, compliance requirements, and evidence-based practices for students with significant disabilities.
2. Knowledge of autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairments, complex behavioral needs, positive behavior supports, MTSS frameworks, and progress-monitoring systems.
3. Skill in instructional coaching, consultation, facilitation, professional development, and staff support.
4. Ability to analyze assessment, behavioral, instructional, and program data to guide decision-making and improve student outcomes.
5. Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with staff, families, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams.
6. Ability to adapt curriculum, instructional materials, accommodations, and supports to meet diverse student learning and behavioral needs.
7. Knowledge of behavior intervention strategies, crisis response procedures, and evidence-based instructional practices.
8. Proficiency with educational technology, Google Workspace, IEP/documentation systems, and data-management tools.
9. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
10. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, respond effectively to changing priorities, and maintain compliance with special education timelines and requirements.
11. Ability to provide leadership and support in fast-paced, high-needs educational environments while maintaining a student-centered approach.

Physical Requirements:


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. The physical requirements of this position vary based on specific job assignments. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment:


The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties of the job. Job functions are to be performed in-person unless as otherwise approved by supervisor.


The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. This is not a virtual position.

Compensation:

• Pay: Salary range of $92,288-$119,080 commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Schedule: Full-time, Full Year Balanced Calendar, 205 days per year
• Benefits: Full benefits package, including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. MPSERS provided retirement plan.
• View a detailed breakdown of our benefits. View our insurance costs.

ADA:


Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity:


Ottawa Area ISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please visit oaisd.org for more information.