DSS Instructional and Behavioral Coach

Lake Forest School Districts 67 & 115; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

Paid sick and personal days

TRS retirement plan

Professional Development/Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Lake Forest School District 67 is seeking a full-time DSS Instructional & Behavioral Coach to enhance educational outcomes for students with complex needs. In this collaborative position, you will work closely with educators to implement specialized instruction and behavioral support strategies.

The ideal candidate will hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License with a Learning Behavior Specialist endorsement. Responsibilities include co-planning lessons, providing coaching, and developing individualized behavior intervention plans.

The role not only contributes to student success but also engages in professional development opportunities. Full benefits including insurance and tuition reimbursement are available.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise supporting students with complex learning and behavioral needs.
• Experience in evidence-based instructional and behavior strategies.
• Commitment to professional collaboration and ongoing learning.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff in designing individualized academic and behavioral interventions.
• Collaborate with specialists and teachers to support students.
• Model and co-teach lessons using evidence-based practices.

Skills

Differentiation Skills

Positive Behavior Supports

Coaching Expertise

Building Positive Relationships

Education

Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 endorsement

Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate

Tools

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

CPI Trained

Job description

Lake Forest School District 67 is seeking a full-time, 10‑month, 7.5‑hour/day DSS Instructional & Behavioral Coach.

Description: The Department of Student Services Instructional and Behavioral Coach at Lake Forest School District 67 is a collaborative, non‑administrative role focused on enhancing educational outcomes for students with complex learning and behavioral needs. This position involves working closely with teachers, related service providers, teaching assistants, and administrators to implement goals aligned with the District 67 Strategic Plan and Student Services objectives. Key responsibilities include co‑planning, modeling, engaging in coaching cycles, and collaborative problem‑solving to promote effective instructional practices and positive learning environments. The coach ensures the fidelity of specially designed instruction (SDI) and behavioral supports, emphasizing the integration of self‑regulation skills, executive functioning, structured routines, and inclusive strategies into daily instruction. Summer work will be paid. The Instructional and Behavioral Coach is covered by the Lake Forest Education Association and is not an administrative nor evaluative role.

Salary: PerLFEA CBA

Benefits

• Insurance – medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance are available
• Leaves – paid sick and personal days provided
• Retirement – TRS
• Professional Development/Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

Education, Experience, and Licensure (required and preferred)

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) endorsement
• Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate preferred
• Demonstrated expertise supporting students with complex learning and behavioral needs
• Strong background and skills in differentiation, positive behavior supports, coaching, and building positive relationships with students and adults
• Experience applying evidence‑based instructional and behavior strategies
• CPI Trained required and CPI facilitator preferred or ability to obtain it
• Adept in Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), with strong capability in implementing evidence‑based tiered instruction, data‑driven problem‑solving cycles, positive behavior interventions
• Commitment to professional collaboration, ongoing learning, and building capacity within staff teams

Essential Functions

• Serve as a lead instructional and behavior coach assisting staff in designing and delivering individualized academic and behavioral interventions
• Collaborate with Learning Behavior Specialists, general education teachers, related service providers, and teaching assistants to support students with complex learning needs
• Engage in regular team meetings to discuss student progress, share strategies, and adjust interventions as needed
• Model, co‑plan, and co‑teach lessons incorporating evidence‑based instructional practices and positive behavioral supports
• Support the development and fidelity of individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs), functional behavior assessments (FBAs), and data‑driven progress monitoring systems
• Engage in coaching cycles and provide feedback to staff on classroom management, instructional strategies, specially designed instruction, executive functioning supports, and the use of structured routines to improve academic and behavior outcomes for all students that align with district/school initiatives
• Facilitate professional learning on behavior management strategies, structures teaching, student engagement strategies, and differentiated instruction
• Participate in IEP meetings to support team‑based decision‑making regarding instructional and behavioral interventions
• Collaborate with building and district teams to identify system‑wide needs and provide recommendations for continuous improvement in supporting students with significant academic and behavioral needs
• Uphold a student‑centered, inclusive approach that promotes skill development, independence, and successful participation in general education whenever possible
• Develop positive and supportive relationships with staff, students, and parents
• Work closely with families to ensure consistency between school and home environments, enhancing the effectiveness of interventions
• Stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in special education and behavioral interventions
• Lead and deliver CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training to district staff ensuring adherence to program standards and fostering a safe and supportive learning environment
• Assist with locating resources/trainings from external providers as needed
• Attend and participate in district coaching programs with building and district coaches

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be mobile and transport instructional materials from one setting to another within the building. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application Procedure

Click here to access the online application.

To learn more about Lake Forest School District 67, visit our website at www.lakeforestschools.org.