Instructional Coach - Special Education

Established in 1998 with 97 students, CCCS has steadily increased to more than 4,000 students in grades K-8 across 12 state-of-the-art buildings on four campuses. The school is a true community success story that has transformed the lives of thousands of students and their families, while breathing life back into a city that was once one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant manufacturing suburbs. 

Job Summary:

The Special Education Instructional Coach supports special education teachers and instructional staff in delivering high-quality, research-based instruction tailored to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. The coach facilitates co-planning, models best practices in inclusive and specialized instruction, observes classrooms, and provides confidential, non-evaluative feedback. This role emphasizes collaboration, adherence to IEP compliance, and differentiated strategies aligned with student learning goals. The coach works closely with school leadership and other instructional coaches to enhance special education services across the school community

Essential Functions

• Provides instructional coaching to special education teachers through co-planning, modeling, observing, and feedback.
• Develops trusting, confidential relationships with special education staff.
• Supports educators in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior plans, and accommodations/modifications.
• Analyzes student performance data to guide instructional decisions and teacher development.
• Assists in designing and differentiating instruction for diverse learners, including students with emotional, behavioral and cognitive challenges.
• Models high-leverage instructional practices that promote student engagement and growth.
• Collaborate with general education staff and instructional coaches to support inclusive instruction.
• Provides input for professional development on special education topics such as IEP writing, parent engagement, behavior management and progress monitoring.
• Observes classroom instruction and provides timely, constructive feedback to classroom teachers
• Develops schedules for collaboration with focus teachers
• Collaborates with administrators and school leaders to promote high expectations, to support curriculum reform initiatives, and to strengthen instruction
• Provides feedback to school leaders regarding the focus of instructional coaching for each teacher and the trajectory of each teacher’s development
• Maintains a regular line of communication with school leaders to support instructional coachingDocuments coaching practices to contribute to collective learning about coaching
• Supports curriculum development to enhance coherence and articulation of curriculum
• Prepares lesson plans, in collaboration with teachers, related to relevant content area for the purpose of differentiating instruction
• Complies with policies, regulations and procedures of the Chester Community Charter School which includes maintaining an acceptable attendance record and participation in extra-curricular activities and/or leadership roles outside the classroom
• Communicates effectively with parents and students and works collaboratively with staff
• Displays high-level, professional conduct and image at all times
• Maintains documentation of coaching cycles and progress toward teacher goals.
• Participates in IEP meetings as appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant content area or related field. (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum 3+ years experience in a supervisory role.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful special education teaching experience
• Demonstrated success supposing students with diverse learning needs.
• Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check Clearance
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
• FBI Criminal Background Clearance
• Completion of required training (Safety Cares, Mandated Reporter)

Certificates/Licenses:

• Valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Instructional Level II teaching certificate in Special Education.

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• IDEA, Section 504, and state regulations related to special education Pennsylvania Core Curriculum and Standards
• Pennsylvania Core Standards and IEP-aligned instruction
• Differentiated instruction, behavior management, and inclusive practices
• Curriculum development and data driven decision making
• Relevant content area strategies and resources available for teachers
• Methods for differentiating and scaffolding instruction for diverse learners including EL, gifted, students with learning disabilities, homeless, and other at-risk populations
• Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards
• Response to Interventions (RTII)
• Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS)

Demonstrated ability to:

• Plan, facilitate and implement school based professional learning
• Develop yearly action plans for improved student achievement
• Problem solve, listen and collaborate
• Facilitate high quality professional development
• Provide assistance, structure, and guidance to teachers in support of the school’s instructional goals and students’ achievement goals

Note:  CCCS has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time.  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.