Primary Purpose
Provide leadership and support for high-quality instructional practices for students receiving special education services across the district. The Special Education Instructional Coordinator is responsible for coaching staff, modeling effective instructional strategies, supporting inclusive practices, and using data to improve student outcomes.
This role ensures that specially designed instruction is aligned with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), state standards, and evidence-based practices, while supporting campus teams in delivering rigorous, inclusive, and student-centered learning experiences.
The Special Education Instructional Coordinator will work in close partnership with the Special Education Accountability Coordinator to ensure seamless, cohesive delivery of services to students. This includes aligning instructional practices with compliance requirements and evaluation outcomes; collaboratively using data to drive instructional improvements; and ensuring that classroom implementation reflects the intent and requirements of special education law, resulting in consistent, high-quality services across all campuses.
Qualifications
Education & Certification
- Master’s degree in Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or related field
- Valid Texas teaching certificate in Special Education
- Principal or Mid-Management certification preferred
Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in special education
- At least three (3) years of experience in instructional coaching, curriculum development, or campus leadership
- Demonstrated experience supporting inclusion settings and co-teaching models
- Experience working with diverse learners, including students with significant cognitive and behavioral needs
Special Knowledge & Skills
- Deep knowledge of specially designed instruction, differentiation, and inclusive practices
- Strong understanding of co-teaching models and collaborative instructional frameworks
- Knowledge of TEKS, vertical alignment, and progress monitoring systems
- Ability to disaggregate and analyze student performance data to drive instruction
- Expertise in behavior supports (e.g., PBIS, classroom management, de-escalation strategies)
- Strong coaching, facilitation, and adult learning skills
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
Major Responsibilities and Duties
Instructional Leadership
- Lead the implementation of high-quality, research-based instructional practices for students receiving special education services
- Ensure alignment between IEP goals, accommodations/modifications, and daily instruction
- Support campuses in delivering rigorous, standards-based instruction in all settings (inclusion, resource, self-contained)
- Provide job-embedded coaching to special education teachers, general education teachers, and paraprofessionals
- Model effective instructional strategies, including scaffolding, differentiation, and engagement techniques
- Support co-teaching teams with planning, role clarity, and instructional delivery
- Conduct classroom walkthroughs and provide actionable feedback aligned to district expectations
- Support the development and implementation of effective inclusion models across campuses
- Facilitate collaboration between general education and special education staff
- Assist campus leaders in scheduling and structuring services to maximize inclusion opportunities
- Promote shared ownership of all students among instructional staff
Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring
- Assist campuses in disaggregating student performance data (e.g., STAAR, benchmarks, progress monitoring tools)
- Guide teachers in using data to adjust instruction and interventions
- Monitor progress toward IEP goals and support staff in documenting student growth
- Identify trends and gaps in performance and recommend targeted instructional strategies
Curriculum & Instructional Support
- Design and deliver professional learning on topics including but not limited to specially designed instruction, co-teaching and inclusion practices, differentiation and scaffolding, behavior supports and classroom management, etc.
- Provide ongoing support and follow-up to ensure implementation of training
- Collaborate with others in the curriculum and instruction department to ensure accessibility of core content
- Support development and adaptation of instructional materials for diverse learners
- Ensure appropriate use of accommodations and modifications in alignment with IEPs
- Promote the use of evidence-based instructional programs and strategies
- Support staff in implementing positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS)
- Provide guidance on behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and classroom management strategies
- Collaborate with campus teams to address challenging student behaviors in a proactive manner
Collaboration
- Support campuses in communicating instructional practices and student progress with families
- Participate in ARD meetings as needed to provide guidance on instructional supports
- Promote strong partnerships between schools and families to support student success
- Provide functional supervision and coaching to special and general education teachers (in all settings) as well as paraprofessionals (instructional support)
- Collaborate with campus leadership to contribute to the annual performance evaluations of staff relating to special education instruction
Working Conditions
- High level of collaboration, problem-solving, and instructional decision-making
- Ability to manage multiple campuses and priorities
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism
- Frequent campus visits requiring walking, standing, and classroom engagement
- Occasional lifting of instructional materials
- Frequent interaction with students, staff, and parents
- Regular travel between campuses
- May attend meetings outside of standard work hours
Additional Expectations
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive, student-centered practices
- Maintain current knowledge of best practices in special education instruction
- Support the mission and vision of Gonzales ISD
- Work collaboratively with the Special Education Accountability Coordinator to ensure alignment between compliance, evaluation, and instructional delivery