Role of a Special Education Instructional Coach:

     A special education instructional coach plays a crucial role in supporting and guiding special education teachers, related services providers, and paraprofessionals in their professional development and instructional practices. This ultimately improves the quality of education and outcomes for students with special needs.

 

Key Responsibilities of a Special Education Instructional Coach:

 

Collaborating with Teachers: The instructional coach works closely with special education certified and classified staff to provide guidance and support in planning and implementing effective Academic, Behavioral, and Social/Emotional instructional strategies for students with special needs. They collaborate on lesson planning, curriculum development, and adapting teaching methods to meet individual student needs.

 

Providing Professional Development: The instructional coach facilitates professional development workshops and training sessions for special education certified and classified staff. They help teachers and paras stay updated on best practices, research-based strategies, and new developments in special education. They also provide ongoing coaching and feedback to improve teaching skills.

 

Individualized Support: The instructional coach provides individualized support to special education certified staff by observing their classroom instruction, providing feedback, and offering strategies for improvement. They also assist in developing individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with special needs.

 

Data Analysis: The instructional coach helps special education teachers analyze student data and assessment results to identify areas of improvement and develop targeted instructional interventions. They assist in tracking student progress and adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.

 

Collaboration with Stakeholders: The instructional coach collaborates with other educators, administrators, and parents to ensure effective communication and coordination of services for students with special needs. They may attend IEP meetings, participate in team meetings, and provide input on student support plans.

 

Resource and Material Support: The instructional coach assists special education teachers in accessing and utilizing appropriate instructional resources and materials. They help identify and implement modifications and other accommodations to support student learning.

 

Research and Professional Growth: The instructional coach stays updated on current research and best practices in special education. They engage in continuous professional development to enhance their own knowledge and skills in supporting special education teachers.

 

Services Provided by a Special Education Instructional Coach:

 

Assisting with IEP Writing:  

• Writing a KSDE compliant IEP
• Writing Goals to match the need
• Behavior Intervention Plans
• Teacher IEP corrections

Lessons Plans and Resources: 

• Developing Special Designed Instructional for individual students to match their need.
• Assisting with resources for instruction (academic and behavioral/social/emotional)
• Organizing individual lessons for paraprofessionals
• Time management, daily schedule of all staff

Professional Development & Professional Growth: 

• Group choice PD 
• Individual PD
• Paraprofessional PD
• Topics: IEP writing, Instructional Strategies based on behavior and academic needs, data collection
• Proactive in own Professional Development- staying abreast of new topics in special education

Attending IEP meetings: 

• Modeling an IEP meeting
• Reporting on data
• Supporting teams
• Working through completion of required paperwork 

Coaching Teachers: 

• Spending time in classrooms walking side by side coaching in real time
• Coaching cycles
• Feedback and follow-up
• Alternative licensure teachers 
• New teachers to the district, teachers to a new position 

Observing: 

• Observing students for feedback and data collection
• Observing Teachers for feedback and coaching
• Observing paraprofessionals for feedback and coaching

Collaboration: 

• Assisting teachers collaborate with their paraprofessional team
• Training
• Developing systems
• Student Teams
• Working with student teams to problem solve strategies and supports
• Specialty Classroom Teams
• Training
• Developing systems of support
• Problem solving