The
Curriculum and Instructional Coach at Gersh Autism Academy plays a critical role in supporting the professional growth of educators and enhancing instructional practices aligned with the Academy's ABA-based educational model. This role focuses on mentoring, modeling, and coaching teachers and support staff to ensure high-quality, individualized instruction for students with autism.
This position is located in Issaquah, WA.EssentialDuties and Responsibilities - Helps to set the vision, strategy, and long-range roadmap for educational curriculum in Washington
- Gather and learn the OSPI Specific needs and implement into the WA schools.
- Collaborate with the SBL and Regional VP to select, adopt, and lifecycle management of approved curricula and instructional programs organization-wide (e.g., Unique Learning, Edmark, Reading Milestones, Autism Helper, Into Reading, Go Math, Read 180/Math 180, All Things Algebra, CK-12 Science).
- Establish curriculum standards, pacing frameworks, and instructional quality benchmarks that ensure consistency across sites while allowing for individualized student programming.
- Ensure high-quality delivery of training across all school sites.
- Build organizational capacity by developing scalable, sustainable systems for onboarding, coaching, and ongoing professional development of educational teaching staff.
- Oversee the New Teacher Mentor program and other professional development structures, ensuring they are effective and consistently implemented.
- Establish and monitor training standards for core systems and practices, including PowerSchool, curriculum-based assessments (ABLLS, AFLS, Brigance), report writing (45-day and annual reviews), classroom management, and program book development.
- Design and oversee systems to evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum, instruction, and professional development across the organization, using data to drive improvement.
- Ensure special education curriculum and instructional practices comply with applicable state and federal special education laws and regulations.
- Analyze student outcome and program data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement, and translate findings into actionable strategy.
- Prepare reports and recommendations for executive leadership on curriculum effectiveness, training outcomes, and instructional quality.
- Partner with executive leadership, principals, and clinical/therapeutic teams to align curriculum with the organization's broader educational and therapeutic mission.
- Represent curriculum and instructional priorities in organizational planning, budgeting, and accreditation or regulatory processes.
- Stay current with special education research, policy, and best practices, and lead the integration of emerging practices into organizational strategy.
- Travel regularly to school locations across the network to support implementation and evaluate program quality.
Qualifications - Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, School Psychology, or a related field (preferred)
- Valid state certification in Special Education (preferred)
- Minimum of eight years of experience in special education, including significant experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and staff supervision (required)
- Demonstrated experience leading curriculum or instructional initiatives across multiple sites or at an organizational level.
- Administrative or supervisory certification (preferred)
Physical Requirements - Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures.
- Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
- Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
- Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
- Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
- Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
- Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
- Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations
Working Environment- Location: Cougar Mountain and Issaquah Schools, with regular travel in between as needed.
- Combination of office setting and school/classroom environments.
Benefits for Full Time EmployeesGersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth.
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k matching)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Training & Development
Compensation range includes base and KRA bonus eligibilityThe pay range for this role is:
85,000 - 85,000 USD per year (Cougar Mountain)
