2026-369

NOTICE OF VACANCY

POSITION:                 IEP / SPECIAL EDUCATION COACH - Washington Middle & Fort Hill High

DEPARTMENT:         SPECIAL EDUCATION

REPORTS TO:           DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND STUDENT SERVICES

SALARY:                    UNIT I SALARY SCHEDULE + PER DIEM DAYS

Position Summary

The Special Education Coach provides school-based and/or district-level support to special education teachers in the development, implementation, and monitoring of high-quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations while promoting best practices in specially designed instruction (SDI), data-driven decision-making, and student-centered instructional planning.

The Coach serves as a key resource in navigating the special education process, strengthening instructional practices, and improving student outcomes through ongoing coaching, professional development, and collaboration with special educators.

The IEP Chair will be school-based but expected to work collaboratively in order to pursue professional learning opportunities with colleagues including other IEP Coaches and IEP Chair to best serve all students on their caseloads.  IEP Coaches will be assigned to 2 – 3 schools. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong references documenting successful administrative experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience in special education program leadership
• Deep knowledge of special education law, including IDEA, COMAR, and related federal and state regulations
• Knowledge of current instructional practices and evidence-based strategies appropriate for students with disabilities
• Strong background in instructional leadership and inclusive practices
• Experience supporting systemic improvement initiatives in special education

Essential Job Functions

The IEP Coach will be responsible for:

Instructional Coaching and Support

• Provide ongoing coaching to special education teachers in designing and delivering specially designed instruction aligned to student needs and grade-level standards.

• Assist teachers in developing IEP goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Develop Progress Monitoring tools.
• Support teachers in aligning goals, services, and instructional strategies to ensure access to the general education curriculum.
• Recommend evidence-based instructional strategies, interventions, and materials to meet diverse learner needs.
• Analyze student data with teachers to inform instruction, monitor progress, and adjust interventions.

IEP Development and Compliance

• Review draft and existing IEPs to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and alignment with best practices.
• Monitor IEPs to ensure all required components are completed accurately and within required timelines.
• Ensure teacher-developed components of the IEP are completed in a timely manner and reflect high-quality instructional planning.
• Support staff in developing and implementing effective progress monitoring practices.
• Ensure goals and objectives reflect longitudinal growth and address gaps in achievement.
• Promote fidelity of implementation of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) using established indicators.

Professional Learning and Capacity Building

• Design and deliver professional development aligned to special education compliance, instructional practices, and system priorities.
• Support departmental initiatives through the dissemination of guidance, tools, and resources.
• Build staff capacity in understanding procedural safeguards and compliance requirements.
• Assist teachers and administrators in interpreting and applying federal and state special education regulations.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Collaborate with school administrators to address instructional and compliance concerns.
• Advise administrators and staff on issues related to procedural safeguards and special education processes.
• Participate in school-based problem-solving teams and support implementation of school improvement plans.
• Assist in revising and updating system-wide forms, procedures, and handbooks to ensure alignment with regulatory changes and best practices.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director and/or the Supervisors of Special Education or designee.