Programming Assistant Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Bellwood School District 88

Equal Opportunity Employer

Notice of Vacancy

Special Education Coordinator/Instructional Coach

Thurgood Marshall Elementary School

2026-2027

Job Title: Special Education Coordinator/Instructional Coach

Department: Special Education

Reports To: Building Principal, Director of Special Education 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: $47,000.00 - $61,750

Stipend: $10,000.00 (According to MOU)

Length: 11- month

Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, and Life

SUMMARY:  

The Special Education Coordinator/Instructional Coach serves as both the instructional leader and compliance facilitator for special education programming within assigned schools. The position is responsible for supporting high-quality instructional practices, ensuring compliance with federal and state special education requirements, facilitating Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and coaching special education staff to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Working collaboratively with building administrators, general education instructional coaches, and the Director of Special Education and Student Services, the Coordinator/Instructional Coach helps strengthen inclusive instructional practices and expand the District's continuum of services for students with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty as outlined below.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  

• Master's Degree
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with one of the following endorsements:
  • Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1)
  • School Social Worker
  • School Psychologist
  • Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Other Illinois Special Education-related endorsement as approved by the District
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in Special Education

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Expertise in IDEA and Illinois special education regulations.
• Knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional coaching.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with staff.
• Strong facilitation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze instructional and student performance data.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to lead change through coaching rather than evaluation.

REASONING ABILITY:  

Demonstrated ability to exercise sound professional judgment and make effective decisions in complex educational situations. Ability to analyze student, instructional, and compliance data; interpret federal, state, and district regulations; prioritize multiple responsibilities; facilitate collaborative problem-solving; and resolve issues involving students, staff, and families while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Special Education Compliance and IEP Facilitation

• Coordinate and facilitate annual reviews, reevaluations, manifestation determinations, eligibility meetings, and other required special education meetings.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Illinois State Board of Education regulations, and District procedures.
• Monitor timelines for evaluations, annual reviews, progress reporting, and required documentation.
• Review IEPs for quality, compliance, and instructional alignment prior to finalization according to IDEA and ISBE regulations.
• Support case managers in developing legally compliant, educationally meaningful IEPs.
• Assist with complex parent meetings and facilitate collaborative problem-solving.
• Support the transition of students entering and exiting the District.
• Collaborate with related service providers regarding scheduling and service implementation.
• Maintain accurate compliance records and required documentation.
• Communicate regularly with the Building Principal and Director of Special Education regarding compliance concerns and procedural issues.

Instructional Coaching

• Provide ongoing instructional coaching to special education teachers through observation, modeling, feedback, and reflective conversations.
• Support teachers in implementing high-quality specially designed instruction (SDI).
• Coach teachers in evidence-based instructional strategies that improve student achievement.
• Assist teachers in developing standards-based IEP goals aligned to student needs.
• Support implementation of inclusive instructional practices and co-teaching models.
• Collaborate with general education instructional coaches to improve Tier I instruction and inclusive programming.
• Assist teachers in analyzing student data to improve instructional decision-making.
• Support implementation of district curriculum, instructional initiatives, and MTSS practices.
• Assist in Facilitating professional learning communities (PLCs) for special education staff.
• Develop and deliver professional development related to:
  • Specially Designed Instruction
  • IEP Development
  • Progress Monitoring
  • Classroom Accommodations and Modifications
  • Behavioral Supports
  • Co-Teaching
  • Inclusive Practices
  • Assessment Practices

Program Development

• Work collaboratively with principals and district leadership to strengthen special education programming.
• Assist in expanding and improving the District's continuum of services for students with disabilities.
• Identify trends in instructional practice and recommend improvements.
• Support implementation of district initiatives related to teaching and learning.
• Participate in instructional coaching rounds and classroom walkthroughs.
• Assist in onboarding new special education staff.
• Recommend instructional resources and evidence-based practices.

Collaboration

• Meet regularly with the Director of Special Education.
• Participate as a member of building leadership teams.
• Collaborate with principals, instructional coaches, psychologists, social workers, speech-language pathologists, and related service providers.
• Build collaborative relationships with parents and community agencies.
• Support positive communication between schools and families.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of student and personnel information.
• Participate in District professional learning.
• Maintain current knowledge of special education laws and best practices.
• Travel between assigned buildings as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or Director of Special Education and Student Services.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  

Regular travel between assigned District schools is required to provide instructional coaching, facilitate IEP meetings, support special education programming, and collaborate with staff and administrators. Individuals must also be willing to travel to other school districts, private schools, specialized programs, and other educational settings, as necessary, to attend IEP meetings, conduct program-related responsibilities, and support students receiving out-of-district services.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Limited travel between District buildings and occasional travel to off-site locations as required.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Works primarily in standard office and school environments. Requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced educational setting.

EVALUATION:  

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the Bellwood Education Association Collective Bargaining Agreement and District evaluation procedures for certified staff.

EEO Statement: Bellwood School District 88 is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Bellwood School District 88 reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description.  This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise.