Portland Public Schools: Special Education Coach
Portland Public Schools is seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Education professional to serve as a Special Education Coach providing direct support to students and staff across general education alternative and special education programs. Under the direction of the Special Education Supervisor this role partners with building staff to promote inclusive equitable practices by supporting the implementation of adult support plans fostering student independence and enhancing data collection systems aligned with district goals. Designed to build staff capacity and advance instructional excellence this position supports paraprofessional growth through ongoing coaching cycles modeling feedback and reflective practice. The ideal candidate is passionate about equity deeply committed to student success and experienced in collaboratively implementing inclusive practices and individualized education programs (IEPs) with both staff and families.
The desired candidate would possess the following attributes:
Knowledge of the principles and methods used in teaching exceptional children
Knowledge of barriers involved in developing and improving special education programs
Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to special education and compliance
Working knowledge of the Common Core State Standards and Essential Elements
Demonstrated success working with developing and implementing tiered intervention strategies
Eligible candidates must meet the following qualifications:
Bachelors degree in education or a field of study related to special education Masters degree preferred
Valid Michigan teaching license with Special Education endorsement
Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience
Minimum of 2 years special education teaching experience
Demonstrated experience providing academic interventions to elementary-aged (K-5) students.
Demonstrated experience implementing behavior supports and intervention strategies to elementary-aged (K-5) students.
Knowledge of effective research-based instructional strategies and interventions.
Ability to analyze assessment data to inform instructional and intervention decisions.
Strong collaboration and communication skills.
Primary responsibilities however not limited to:
Works with staff students parents district and community to build a shared vision of learning for students with disabilities.
Works with staff students families and community agencies to support students and programs which align to the district and building goals.
Assists staff with evidence-based instructional strategies service delivery IEP development and program development.
Uses the working knowledge of effective instruction in establishing school processes and routines that engage teachers/staff in regular monitoring of student progress and evaluation adaptation and improvement of instructional strategies which meet the individualized needs of students with disabilities.
Consults with building administrators and leadership teams MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) model implementation relative to intensifying interventions and programming for students with disabilities.
Works with staff to develop meaningful lEPs and programming to support increased student growth and achievement for students with disabilities.
Provides professional development on best practices in literacy and math instruction across the curriculum as it relates to a continuum of programming for students with disabilities.
Provide district and building professional development and coaching.
Develop coordinate and implement coaching models and cycles of support for buildings
Works with district administrators and principals building and district systems processes training and shared leadership to ensure full compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education(MARSE) and Portland Public Schools Strategic Plan.
Ensures compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) and other applicable rules and regulations.
Adheres to the responsibilities as outlined in MARSE R340.1748a or R340.1749
Carries out caseload responsibilities as outlined in MARSE
Performs other duties as directed by the Special Education Supervisor.
This job posting is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties or requirements associated with the position. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to modify the job description or the position at any time as needed to meet the needs of the district.
Position Details:
Title: Special Education Coach
Reports to: Special Education Supervisor
Calendar: 190 Days
Compensation: $67000-$73000 based on experience plus insurance paid time off and retirement
Posting date: July 14 2025
Application deadline: July 29 2025
Application Process:
Applicants for the position may email the following documents in one attachment to: or apply online at:
A current resume with reference contact information
Copies of all university transcripts
Copies of current Michigan educator certification
Two current (within the last two years) letters of recommendation
Lacy Schneider Special Education Supervisor
Portland Public Schools
1100 Ionia Rd
Portland MI 48875
Questions about the position or the district can be sent to Lacy Schneider Portland Public Schools at or .
No person applying for employment at Portland Public Schools shall on the basis of race color national origin sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity) disability age religion height weight marital or family status military status ancestry genetic information or any other legally protected category (collectively Protected Classes) in its programs and activities including employment opportunities. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Special Education Coach
