Special Education Instructional Coach

About DC Scholars: DC Scholars Public Charter School was founded in 2012 and serves approximately 500 students in Preschool - 8th grade. DC Scholars develops life-long scholars who have the academic knowledge and skills, individual passions, and community-mindedness necessary to succeed in and contribute to an ever changing world. We have cultivated a mission-oriented and collaborative team. Our staff is enthusiastic about constantly setting and reaching a high bar for students. 

The Position: DC Scholars Public Charter School is seeking a Special Education Instructional Coach for an immediate opening. As a SPED coach, you would lead small group intervention and coach SPED teachers. Teacher coaches are a key lever in driving high quality performance and student outcomes. Teacher learning and growth is critical to the success of our scholars. 

Key Responsibilities: Teacher Responsibilities: Small Group Instruction 
Classroom Culture: 

• Cultivate a productive, engaging classroom environment for students - foster relationships with and among students 
• Establish strong classroom routines and systems in alignment with the DC Scholars Way
• Leverage DC Scholars’ culture systems to provide feedback to scholars aligned to our  PATH values (Prepared, Attentive, Thoughtful, Hardworking) and use of our ladder of consequences for strong classroom management.
• Facilitate arrival and dismissal 

Planning For and Delivering Instruction 

• Prepare for and execute data-driven small group lesson plans aligned to goals of students’ Individualized Education Plans(s) and other identified areas of need
• Provide research-based Tier 3 interventions (e.g. Read 180, Math 180), adhering to program pacing
• Monitor student growth and progress using DC Scholars intervention data tracking systems 
• Be knowledgeable about individual student plans, including Individualized Learning Plans (IEPs), 504s, and other support plans, provide appropriate modifications and accommodations in accordance with student IEPs; 
• Maintain accurate and complete student records, update Dean’s List, Gradebook, and Otus platforms in alignment with department expectations 

Family Engagement 

• Engage actively with families - attend family events (at least quarterly), support Parent Conferences, share academic and behavioral updates with families 
• Actively monitor student attendance data - collaborate with families to improve scholar attendance, collect absence notes, etc.
• Actively encourage parents to participate in school activities such as parent conferences, student events, IEP/504 meetings, etc.

Coach Responsibilities: 

• Coach teachers (both in-the-moment and via coaching cycles) to meet and exceed standards outlined in DC Scholars Teaching Rubric and implementation of IEP/504/RTI supports and services.
• Review and providing explicit feedback to special education teachers on draft IEPs and progress reports 
• Provide training to SPED teachers on research-based interventions (i.e. Read 180, Math 180) 
• Collaborate with EmpowerK12 and school leaders to track the efficacy of DCS intervention programs, track and analyze individual student performance data, share findings on program efficacy with school leaders
• Model, coach, and reinforce our special population beliefs in planning and instruction
• Maintain coaching records using our schoolwide platform, Teachboost, in alignment with agreed upon goal setting and feedback schedules. 
• Consistently monitor and analyze all student data for your designated content area(s)/grade level(s), including but not limited to: exit tickets, quizzes, Common Interim Assessments, iReady, behavior referrals, attendance, grades, etc. Support teachers in triangulating those and other data points and responding as needed. 
• Send a weekly summary email to each teacher, highlighting key deliverables, coaching trends and feedback, and student performance data
• With manager support and approval, write teacher evaluations using the DC Scholars teaching rubrics and norms for evaluation writing guidelines 
• With manager support and approval, use progressive discipline system to hold teachers accountable to schoolwide expectations for culture, professionalism and instruction
• Facilitate periodic step backs and evaluation conversations with teachers 
• Design and lead content-based professional development that builds teacher content knowledge and a repertoire of effective instructional practices
• Manage a portfolio of assessments to track student progress and evaluate program effectiveness 
• Support teachers to have productive family communication 

SPED Department Leadership: 

• Communicate and coordinate with the Manager of Student Support and school support staff to create and sustain individual behavioral and academic interventions for RTI and SST processes
• Participate in the SST process, identify students in need of additional supports
• Develop and implement effective and aligned plans for students in special populations or with intervention needs
• In collaboration with the SPED Coordinator, support with the scheduling, coordination, and facilitation of MDT meetings as needed  
• Manage SPED equipment and curriculum materials
• Manage the ESY program 
• Coordinate with special education team to ensure all documents are completed in a timely manner according to state, local, and school policies and procedures
• Maintain paper and electronic files for accurate local and federal reporting requirements
• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations and respond to compliance-related issues
• Other duties as assigned by manager to support school events, assessments, safe operations, coverage, etc. 

School Community 

• Demonstrate an unwavering belief in the ability of the organization, colleagues, students, and self to grow: Take personal responsibility, solicit and respond to feedback; Share constructive feedback so that others/the organization may grow 
• Complete tasks by agreed upon deadlines  
• Meet professional expectations for dress, time, and attendance 
• Communicate clearly and frequently, responding to messages, calls, and emails following organization-wide norms for timeliness 

Background and Experience

• At least 3 years of experience as a special education teacher
• Ability to model exemplary instructional and classroom culture practices
• Deep content knowledge and understanding of Common Core Standards and best practices
• Experience implementing DC Scholars Curricular programs (EL Education, Eureka Math, Amplify Science) preferred 
• Knowledge of local and federal SPED laws and guidelines 
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including teachers, students, parents, and administrators
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to juggle and prioritize many tasks and responsibilities at one time

Mindsets

• Passion for educational equity and a commitment to the mission and vision of DC Scholars
• Strong alignment with DC Scholars’ Core Values: High Bar, Passion & Persistence, Hope, Humility & Growth, and Trust
• Collaborative leadership style
• High standards of excellence for self and for others
• Evidence of well-developed emotional intelligence and empathy

The Rewards

• Opportunity to work in an exciting and enjoyable environment that fosters strong family relationships and community partnerships
• Targeted professional development focused on bolstering leadership capabilities
• Supportive and Caring Community
• Competitive salaries
• Highly Competitive Benefits Packages including:
• 403B Retirement Plan with matching contributions
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• EAP 
• Employee Discount through Life Mart

Salary Details
The salary range for this role is $75,000 to $95,000 annually in alignment with the DC Scholars salary band and our compensation philosophy. Starting salaries for new hires will be determined based on a combination of the new hire's relevant experience and market demands.

DC Scholars encourages individuals of all identities and backgrounds to apply for this position. We are an equal opportunity employer fully committed to hiring a talented and diverse group of individuals. DC Scholars does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.