Special Education TOSA 

Department: Student Services
Program: Special Education (FLS, Transition, and Specialized Programs)
Reports to: Senior Program Administrator for Student Services
Classification/Range: Licensed
Schedule: 200 days per year/8 hour a day

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) provides coaching, support, and technical expertise to strengthen special education programming. This role focuses on improving instructional practices (academic and social-emotional learning) and supporting procedural compliance with state and federal and district requirements. The TOSA works in partnership with school administrators, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to improve student outcomes, with an emphasis on Functional Life Skills (FLS), Transition Age Youth, and specialized programs.

NATURE & SCOPE:

The TOSA supports multiple classrooms and programs by providing instructional coaching, professional development, and compliance guidance. This position collaborates closely with administrators, teachers, and related service providers to ensure alignment with IDEA, Oregon Department of Education (ODE) requirements, and MESD procedures. This position does not carry administrative authority and serves in a non-evaluative, peer support role.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Instructional Support (Academic & SEL):

• Provide coaching and consultation to teachers and staff on evidence-based instructional strategies for students with disabilities, including academic, functional, and social-emotional learning.
• Support development and implementation of standards-aligned, individualized instruction across K–post-secondary settings.
• Observe classroom instruction and provide feedback to improve instructional practices and student engagement.
• Assist staff in using student data and progress monitoring to inform instruction and IEP goals.
• Serve as a resource on curriculum, differentiation, instructional design, and intervention strategies.

Program Support (FLS, Transition & Specialized Programs):

• Provide targeted support to Functional Life Skills (FLS), Transition Age Youth, and other specialized programs.
• Assist teams in aligning instruction and IEPs with functional, vocational, independent living, and community-based outcomes.
• Support development and implementation of transition services and plans, including post-secondary outcomes.
• Collaborate with staff to design and implement community-based instruction and work-based learning opportunities.

Compliance & IEP Support:

• Provide ongoing guidance to ensure compliance with IDEA, ODE requirements, and district procedures.
• Support staff in developing, reviewing, and revising IEPs, behavior support plans, and transition plans.
• Attend and support eligibility, placement, and IEP meetings as needed.
• Conduct periodic reviews of student records and IEPs to support accuracy, quality, and compliance.
• Assist programs in preparing for and maintaining compliance with ODE monitoring processes (e.g., SPR&I).
• Support teams with timelines, documentation, and procedural requirements.

Professional Development & Coaching:

• Design and deliver ongoing professional development focused on instructional practices, SEL, and compliance.
• Provide job-embedded coaching, modeling, and feedback to licensed and classified staff.
• Facilitate individual, small group, and large group trainings at school and district levels.
• Support onboarding and mentoring of new special education staff.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Partner with school administrators to support strong instructional practices and compliance systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including related service providers, families, and community partners.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Facilitate meetings, planning sessions, and collaborative problem-solving processes.
• Serve as a point of contact for staff and, as appropriate, families regarding program and student needs.

Other Duties:

• Maintain required records, reports, and schedules.
• Use digital tools and systems to organize and manage workload.
• Adhere to MESD policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

• Equity: Support inclusive practices and equitable access for all students.
• Vision: Maintain a student-centered focus with strong follow-through.
• Trust: Build positive relationships through reliability and professionalism.
• Communication: Communicate clearly and collaboratively.
• Personal Qualities: Demonstrate flexibility, respect, and a commitment to service.
• Attendance: Maintain consistent and reliable attendance.
• Agency-wide Perspective: Support continuous improvement across MESD programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of federal and state special education law (IDEA) and ODE requirements
• Expertise in instructional strategies for students with disabilities, including SEL and functional skills
• Experience with transition planning and services (ages 16–21 )
• Ability to provide coaching and professional support to adult learners
• Strong collaboration, facilitation, and communication skills
• Experience using data to guide instruction and decision-making
• Proficiency with IEP systems and documentation processes
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain)
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Experience supporting FLS or transition programs
• Knowledge of community-based instruction and vocational programming
• Experience working across multiple sites or programs
• Bilingual or multilingual skills

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Oregon Teaching License with Special Education Endorsement 
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in special education, including IEP development and instructional implementation
• Demonstrated experience in instructional support, coaching, or program support
• Experience across K–post-secondary settings preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in school and office environments with moderate noise levels. The position requires travel between sites and may include work in community-based settings. Work is primarily in-person.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively and use standard technology tools
• Ability to maintain professionalism in dynamic and sometimes high-stress environments

Salary : $57,249 - $113,284