Instructional Coach: Special Education (Elementary) (2026-2027 SY)

Job Description:

The Instructional Coach for Special Education will provide leadership, professional learning, and coaching support to teachers on the development of special education practices that increase opportunities for all students to succeed. The Instructional Coach-SPED will assist ACPS school-based teams in ensuring compliance with division policies and procedures related to special education services in a school setting. This will include compliance checks, appropriate eligibility, and data-based decisions related to special education services' referral and evaluation processes. The instructional coach will provide training and onsite technical assistance to school-based teams navigating the referral, evaluation, and eligibility for special education. The special education instructional coach will monitor timelines for completion and work with school administrators to submit to the Executive Director of Specialized Instruction the necessary State Performance Plan Indicator data for reporting information to the Virginia Department. This 10-month, 195 day Licensed position reports to the School Principal.

- One (1) Vacancy at James K. Polk ES.

Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited College or University in a Related Field Required (preferably Special Education), Master's Degree Preferred.

• Certificates & Licenses: A Valid Virginia Department of Education Teaching Collegiate, or PostGraduate License, with an endorsement in areas such as Elementary Education and/or Special Education.

• Experience:




• A minimum of three to five years of successful teaching experience.
• Knowledge of current research in instructional coaching, curriculum trends in instruction, teacher effectiveness, differentiated instruction, student learning, and best practices in instruction.
• Knowledge of a variety of literacy assessments and familiarity with state assessments.

Essential Functions:

• Ensures student schedules are in compliance with IEP requirements.
• Conducts all IEP draft reviews in collaboration with administrators to ensure compliant standards-based Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Monitors compliance with Tier 2 and 3 Special Education Interventions.
• Ensures that students' accommodations are implemented and reviews timelines for applications for testing (College Board, ACT, etc)
• Collaborate with Testing Coordinators to oversee the implementation of accommodations during testing windows.
• Participate in a variety of meetings to convey and/or gather information required to perform functions to include: attend IEP meetings serving as the LEA/Administrative
• Develop and implement a special education data collection model. Facilitates the analysis and interpretation of formative and summative data and continuous improvement process school-wide.
• Utilizing a Train The Trainer Model - Provide professional learning and training for staff in collaboration with Special Education instructional specialists on program specific professional learning and implementation to support the inclusion of all students.
• Manage special education caseloads and provide specially designed instruction.
• Facilitates the consistent use of effective Specially designed instruction by supporting teachers through co-planning, co-teaching, modeling, demonstration sessions, reflecting, and focused classroom observations.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the Special Education program.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of high-quality specially designed instruction aligned to IEP goals and grade-level standards.
• Model evidence-based instructional strategies for students with disabilities across academic and behavioral settings.
• Assist teachers with lesson planning, differentiation, accommodations, modifications, and progress monitoring.
• Facilitate coaching cycles that include classroom observations, feedback conversations, modeling, co-teaching, and reflective practice.
• Support implementation of inclusive instructional practices and collaborative teaching models.
• Assist staff in using Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive teaching practices.

• Design and facilitate professional learning opportunities related to:
  
  
  
  • Special education best practices
  • Behavior interventions and classroom management
  • Data-driven instruction
  • Co-teaching models
  • IEP implementation
  • Inclusion practices
  • Literacy and mathematics interventions
  
  
  
  
• Provide ongoing support following professional development to ensure implementation fidelity.
• Mentor new special education teachers and support teacher retention initiatives.

• Assist teachers in analyzing academic, behavioral, and progress-monitoring data to inform instruction.
• Support development and monitoring of intervention plans for students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with school teams to identify instructional gaps and develop action plans to improve student outcomes.
• Monitor progress toward school improvement goals related to special education achievement.

• Collaborate with principals, instructional leaders, school psychologists, counselors, and related service providers to support student success.
• Participate in IEP meetings, problem-solving meetings, and multidisciplinary team meetings as appropriate.
• Foster positive working relationships with teachers, families, and community stakeholders.
• Support communication between general education and special education staff to strengthen inclusive practices.

• Support teachers in understanding and implementing IDEA, Section 504, and state special education regulations.
• Assist with compliance related to IEP documentation, accommodations, progress reporting, and timelines.
• Promote equitable access to instruction and services for all students with disabilities.
• Support implementation of division initiatives and special education procedures.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding student and staff information.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning related to special education and instructional coaching.
• Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, and ethical conduct at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration.

Compensation:

• Step Placement and Salary for this position is determined by The ACPS Teachers and Other Licensed Staff Salary Scale

• FLSA Status: Exempt position - This position is classified as exempt, meaning it is not eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.
• Public Health Compliance - Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP