Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment

Multnomah ESD•Portland, OR

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) provides coaching, support, and technical expertise to strengthen special education programming. This role focuses on improving instructional practices (academic and social-emotional learning) and supporting procedural compliance with state and federal and district requirements. The TOSA works in partnership with school administrators, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to improve student outcomes, with an emphasis on Functional Life Skills (FLS), Transition Age Youth, and specialized programs. The TOSA supports multiple classrooms and programs by providing instructional coaching, professional development, and compliance guidance. This position collaborates closely with administrators, teachers, and related service providers to ensure alignment with IDEA, Oregon Department of Education (ODE) requirements, and MESD procedures. This position does not carry administrative authority and serves in a non-evaluative, peer support role.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state special education law (IDEA) and ODE requirements
Expertise in instructional strategies for students with disabilities, including SEL and functional skills
Experience with transition planning and services (ages 16–21+)
Ability to provide coaching and professional support to adult learners
Strong collaboration, facilitation, and communication skills
Experience using data to guide instruction and decision-making
Proficiency with IEP systems and documentation processes
Valid First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain)
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Oregon Teaching License with Special Education Endorsement
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in special education, including IEP development and instructional implementation
Demonstrated experience in instructional support, coaching, or program support
Experience across K–post-secondary settings preferred

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting FLS or transition programs
Knowledge of community-based instruction and vocational programming
Bilingual or multilingual skills

Responsibilities

Provide coaching and consultation to teachers and staff on evidence-based instructional strategies for students with disabilities, including academic, functional, and social-emotional learning.
Support development and implementation of standards-aligned, individualized instruction across K–post-secondary settings.
Observe classroom instruction and provide feedback to improve instructional practices and student engagement.
Assist staff in using student data and progress monitoring to inform instruction and IEP goals.
Serve as a resource on curriculum, differentiation, instructional design, and intervention strategies.
Provide targeted support to Functional Life Skills (FLS), Transition Age Youth, and other specialized programs.
Assist teams in aligning instruction and IEPs with functional, vocational, independent living, and community-based outcomes.
Support development and implementation of transition services and plans, including post-secondary outcomes.
Collaborate with staff to design and implement community-based instruction and work-based learning opportunities.
Provide ongoing guidance to ensure compliance with IDEA, ODE requirements, and district procedures.
Support staff in developing, reviewing, and revising IEPs, behavior support plans, and transition plans.
Attend and support eligibility, placement, and IEP meetings as needed.
Conduct periodic reviews of student records and IEPs to support accuracy, quality, and compliance.
Assist programs in preparing for and maintaining compliance with ODE monitoring processes (e.g., SPR&I).
Support teams with timelines, documentation, and procedural requirements.
Design and deliver ongoing professional development focused on instructional practices, SEL, and compliance.
Provide job-embedded coaching, modeling, and feedback to licensed and classified staff.
Facilitate individual, small group, and large group trainings at school and district levels.
Support onboarding and mentoring of new special education staff.
Partner with school administrators to support strong instructional practices and compliance systems.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including related service providers, families, and community partners.
Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Facilitate meetings, planning sessions, and collaborative problem-solving processes.
Serve as a point of contact for staff and, as appropriate, families regarding program and student needs.
Maintain required records, reports, and schedules.
Use digital tools and systems to organize and manage workload.
Adhere to MESD policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.