Special Education Coach

Portland Public Schools: Special Education Coach

Portland Public Schools is seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Education professional to serve as a Special Education Coach, providing direct support to students and staff across general education, alternative, and special education programs. Under the direction of the Special Education Supervisor, this role partners with building staff to promote inclusive, equitable practices by supporting the implementation of adult support plans, fostering student independence, and enhancing data collection systems aligned with district goals. Designed to build staff capacity and advance instructional excellence, this position supports paraprofessional growth through ongoing coaching cycles, modeling, feedback, and reflective practice. The ideal candidate is passionate about equity, deeply committed to student success, and experienced in collaboratively implementing inclusive practices and individualized education programs (IEPs) with both staff and families.

The desired candidate would possess the following attributes:

• Knowledge of the principles and methods used in teaching exceptional children
• Knowledge of barriers involved in developing and improving special education programs
• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to special education and compliance
• Working knowledge of the Common Core State Standards and Essential Elements
• Demonstrated success working with, developing, and implementing tiered intervention strategies

Eligible candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a field of study related to special education, Masters degree preferred
• Valid Michigan teaching license with Special Education endorsement
• Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience
• Minimum of 2 years special education teaching experience
• Demonstrated experience providing academic interventions to elementary-aged (K-5) students.
• Demonstrated experience implementing behavior supports and intervention strategies to elementary-aged (K-5) students.
• Knowledge of effective, research-based instructional strategies and interventions.
• Ability to analyze assessment data to inform instructional and intervention decisions.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Primary responsibilities, however not limited to:

• Works with staff, students, parents, district, and community to build a shared vision of learning for students with disabilities.
• Works with staff, students, families, and community agencies to support students and programs which align to the district and building goals.
• Assists staff with evidence-based instructional strategies, service delivery, IEP development, and program development.
• Uses the working knowledge of effective instruction in establishing school processes and routines that engage teachers/staff in regular monitoring of student progress and evaluation, adaptation, and improvement of instructional strategies which meet the individualized needs of students with disabilities.
• Consults with building administrators and leadership teams MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) model implementation relative to intensifying interventions and programming for students with disabilities.
• Works with staff to develop meaningful lEP’s and programming to support increased student growth and achievement for students with disabilities.
• Provides professional development on best practices in literacy and math instruction across the curriculum as it relates to a continuum of programming for students with disabilities.
• Provide district and building professional development and coaching.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement coaching models and cycles of support for buildings
• Works with district administrators and principals building and district systems, processes, training, and shared leadership to ensure full compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education(MARSE), and Portland Public Schools Strategic Plan.
• Ensures compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), and other applicable rules and regulations.
• Adheres to the responsibilities as outlined in MARSE R340.1748a or R340.1749
• Carries out caseload responsibilities as outlined in MARSE
• Performs other duties as directed by the Special Education Supervisor.

This job posting is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or requirements associated with the position. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to modify the job description or the position at any time, as needed, to meet the needs of the district.

Position Details:

• Title: Special Education Coach
• Reports to: Special Education Supervisor
• Calendar: 190 Days
• Compensation: $67,000-$73,000 based on experience plus insurance, paid time off and retirement

Application Process:

Applicants for the position shall submit the following at https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/portlandk12 by August 10, 2026

• Letter of interest detailing the manner in which the candidate meets the qualifications and desired attributes for the position
• A current resume with reference contact information
• Copies of all university transcripts
• Copies of current Michigan educator certification

Lacy Schneider, Special Education Supervisor

Portland Public Schools

1100 Ionia Rd

Portland, MI 48875

Questions about the position or the district can be sent to Lacy Schneider at lschneider@portlandk12.org

No person applying for employment at Portland Public Schools shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. We are an equal opportunity employer.