RISE Special Education Instructional Coach

Requirements

Education: Master's degree required.

Experience: At least five years of exemplary teaching experience in special education.

Certification: Valid South Dakota teaching certification with K‑12 Special Education endorsement (endorsement requirements may vary by course assignment).

• Constant hand‑eye and mind‑eye coordination; speaking, writing, sitting, bending, and walking constantly required.
• Ability to plan, model, and provide professional learning on targeted instructional strategies.
• Instructional technology skills; effective communication with students, school personnel, and parents.
• Knowledge of curriculum materials, content standards, assessments, specialized instruction strategies, and IEP processes.

Qualifications

• Evidence of successful experience working with adult learners.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with colleagues and building principals.
• Knowledge and experience implementing best practices in specialized instruction with fidelity.
• Knowledge and experience using a variety of assessment tools and analyzing student data.
• Ability to collaborate with teacher teams, co‑teach lessons, and model instructional strategies.
• Ability to think flexibly and adapt work to the needs of teachers.
• Knowledge and demonstration of 21st Century skills in instruction (analytical thinking, problem solving, communicating, collaborating, finding/evaluating information).
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize technology for communication and instruction.
• Organizational skills and initiative for working with minimal direct supervision.
• Evidence of ongoing professional learning and reflective practice to continuously improve adult and student learning.
• Knowledge and experience using technology for communication, data analysis, gathering/organizing information, and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and practice facilitative behaviors.
• Working knowledge of current research and resources, including data‑based problem‑solving and multi‑tiered systems of support.
• Ability to support the design and delivery of professional development at district and school levels.

Responsibilities

Support of Special Educators

• Provide intensive coaching to improve classroom instructional practice of beginning special education teachers.
• Collaborate with beginning special education teachers to self‑assess and identify skills and needs for professional growth.
• Assist special educators with development of a repertoire of teaching models, methodologies, strategies, and techniques.
• Collaborate with special educators to develop classroom management strategies including instructional routines.
• Coordinate induction requirements and provide continuous, regular support to beginning special education teachers.
• Observe teachers during specialized instruction and provide feedback for professional growth.

Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment

• Assist special education teachers with instructional planning to achieve curriculum objectives and establish a positive classroom environment.
• Assist with planning and implementation of student assessments.
• Assist in analyzing formal and informal data on student achievement and progress to inform instructional planning.
• Assist in identification and selection of appropriate instructional materials aligned to content standards and IEP goals.
• Provide relevant information from research and professional literature on best practices in specially designed instruction for students with disabilities.
• Utilize evidence‑based coaching practices to support staff growth in curriculum, instruction, and assessment for students with disabilities.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

• Model or provide models for effective teaching strategies, specifically in the application of strategies to develop 21st Century skills.
• Assist in identifying, designing, and delivering individual and building‑level professional development related to student achievement goals and students with disabilities.
• Support implementation of professional learning communities to enhance student achievement.
• Communicate consistently and positively with staff and parents.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Thorough knowledge of special education safeguards including evaluation and IEP development, roles and responsibilities, and communication with parents.

Pay

Starting at $53,981 to $60,793 per year, based on experience. Pay day: last working day of each month.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm; 1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week, 9‑month contract (2026‑2027 New SFEA Staff Calendar). Benefits available for positions 20 hours per week or more.