Special Education Instructional Coach- Art In Motion

Title: Special Education Instructional Coach
Location: Art in Motion- 7415 S East End Ave, Chicago IL 60649
Reports To: Principal
Salary: Starting at $68,000, commensurate with experience
Employee Type: Regular Full-Time
Start Date: August 2023

Apply: The mission of Distinctive Schools, an educational practice leader committed to social justice and the elevation of access and achievement in historically marginalized communities, is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.

Position Overview

The Special Education Instructional Coach is an exemplary educator who, as a leader from within the classroom, plays a critical role in helping a school reach their student achievement goals. The Special Education Instructional Coach balances a schedule between two important roles:

Special Education Teacher: providing high-quality and rigorous instruction in a learner-centered environment.

Special Education Instructional Coach: serve as a model for their peers and devote time to developing individual teachers’ professional practice, while also maintaining state and federal compliance.

Responsibilities

Culture

Maintain a student-centered perspective in decision making
Believe that all students and teachers can learn and can achieve great things
Contribute to the equity work of the campus and network and engage in culturally responsive decision making
Build and foster a culture of belonging through positive and professional teacher-coach relationships
Honor teacher voice and autonomy
Cultivate a strengths-based, equity focused mindset
Celebrate teacher growth and development
Instructional Teaching

Build strong relationships with students and families and colleagues
Communicate frequently and consistently with students and families
Implement best practices in alignment with DS Model
Design, prepare and deliver dynamic lessons
Maintain accurate and complete records of students’ progress and development
Analyze and use assessment data to design appropriate responses to support students in mastering grade level standards
Collaborate with colleagues to support student growth and achievement
Complete compliance related requirements related to Special Education
State and Federal Compliance

Dedicate time for program coordination
Proctor state-mandated assessments to ensure accommodations are provided
Ensure students with disabilities (SWD) participate in Progress Monitoring
Monitor Progress Monitoring documents on a regular basis
Update Least Restrictive Environment Grids and Schedules as needed
Monitor current SWDs receiving failing grades and partner with teachers to create student success plan
Support parents of SWDs on a regular basis
Participate in local/state required professional development and meetings (as needed)
Monitor IEP writing
Ensure IEPs are implemented to fidelity
Ensure SWD have IEPs that support access
Ensure SWD are engaged in the school community
Ensure SWD are engaged in core classroom instruction
Instructional Coaching

Dedicate and schedule time for instructional coaching in alignment with the DS Instructional Coaching Model and in partnership with the Assistant Principal and/or Principal
Move the performance of individuals and teams through data analysis, goal-setting, planning, implementing strategy, and monitoring, and providing specific feedback
Engage in student-focused coaching cycle towards an established team goal that leads to improved instructional practices and increase student growth and achievement
Leverage use of video to support coaching and self-reflection
Document feedback, coaching priorities, action steps, and accomplishments
Instructional Leadership

Meet with the Assistant Principal/Principal weekly to review coaching cycles, receive feedback, and make mid-course corrections immediately
Meet with the designated member of the Academic Team as requested
Provide ongoing support to special education colleagues in navigating, accessing, and analyzing multiple data measures and tools
Participate in all required professional development
Lead with equity-driven, evidence based practices
Serve as a member of the school’s Instructional Leadership Team and perform other ILT duties
Contributes to the development of and implementation of the campus growth plan
Participate in all network, regional, and campus based instructional coach professional development
Contribute to the design, planning, and facilitation of professional development
Requirements (minimum)

Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Qualifications

Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in state of employment (IL or MI)
Valid Special Education Endorsement or equivalent (LBS I OR Teacher of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired OR Teacher of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing OR Speech Language Pathologist)
5 years special education lead classroom teaching experience or instructional leadership
Technology demands:
Ability to review and analyze student and campus data from multiple sources
Proficient with cloud based software solutions (such as GoogleSuite)
Ability to learn digital tools and programs as needed
Utilize Whetstone to support coaching documentation
Travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration
Must obtain an average of ‘Effective’ rating according to the DS Teaching Framework for 2 consecutive years at DS in all domains or equivalent from outside organization
Must attend DS Summer PD Institute
Must be willing to work an extended academic calendar year of 11 months
Physical demands: Generally, the job requires 20% sitting, 50% walking, and 30% standing

Benefits

25+ Paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually (in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions)
12 weeks family paid leave
Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
403b match
Fully match up to 3%
50% match up to 5%
Professional development including tuition reimbursement
Gym and wellness discounts
And more

Description Disclaimer: Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder’s responsibility.

EEO: Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.

Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191