Transition Coach – Secondary Programs

Kent Intermediate School District•Grand Rapids, MI

20h

About The Position

This role provides leadership and coaching to strengthen transition services across local and regional secondary programs serving students ages 14–18, including KCTC and KCTC Career Focus. The Transition Coach partners closely with the Specially Designed Instruction coaching team and Director of Transition Services to ensure alignment between transition planning, specially designed instruction, compliance requirements, and strategic district priorities. The coach supports adult capacity building, systems alignment, and continuous improvement across settings. This position focuses on instruction, systems, and professional learning. It does not provide direct services to students or families.

Requirements

Valid Michigan professional certification in an area related to Special Education required.
Minimum three years of successful experience in special education.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, or related field preferred.
Experience supporting transition programming, career and technical education alignment, or adult outcome-focused instruction preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides coaching and guidance to secondary educators (age 14+) on transition planning practices and specially designed instruction.
Leads meetings with secondary teachers to strengthen implementation of high-quality transition planning.
Supports CTE collaboration, planning, and alignment with Educational Development Plans (EDPs).
Provides coaching support for KCTC and KCTC Career Focus, including disability awareness, instructional design, differentiation, and implementation of accommodations.
Supports implementation of effective co-teaching and secondary SDI practices in collaboration with instructional leadership.
Leads and supports implementation of high-quality transition instruction across secondary programs.
Supports districts in the development of personal curriculums aligned to the student’s post-secondary vision.
Partners with the Specially Designed Instruction coaching team and Director of Transition Services in the development and facilitation of Personal Curriculum professional development.
Collaborates in the creation and updating of transition guidance documents.
Participates in transition leadership networks including DTLN, Kent TAN, and KIAC.
Supports staff in developing B13-compliant IEPs in collaboration with designated compliance staff.
Supports development of meaningful, standards-aligned transition plans and transition assessment processes.
Aligns local and regional transition practices with district strategic plan goals.
Collaborates in strengthening alignment between secondary transition services and vocational rehabilitation systems.
Leads and supports cross-program data analysis and improvement efforts.
Ensures appropriate LRE determinations based on student growth and program data.
Analyzes, interprets, and communicates information regarding special education laws, rules, and regulations.
Contributes to the ongoing refinement and innovation of transition services within Kent ISD.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Specially Designed Instruction.