The Missing Piece: Why My District Needs a Special Education Coach (And Why I’m the Perfect Fit)

Ever feel like you’re the only one playing a game without a playbook? That’s what it’s like teaching special education in my district. Here’s the kicker: we have a coach for every. single. department. Math? Check. ELA? Check. Science, Social Studies, and even a “technology integration” coach who essentially tells people to “turn it off and back on again.” But when it comes to special education? Crickets. Nada. Zilch.

I can’t help but wonder: Why are we leaving out the very department that deals with the most unique challenges? Why is the department that needs the most creative problem-solving flying solo? I’m not just bitter (okay, maybe a little); I’m genuinely baffled.

The Dream Role: A Special Education Coach

You know what would be my dream job? Being that missing piece— a special education coach. Imagine having someone on-demand who gets it. Someone who understands that no two students (or days, let’s be honest) are alike. Someone who can jump in and say, “Hey, I see you drowning under that mountain of IEP paperwork. Here’s a system that works.” Or, “Have you tried this approach for behavior intervention? Let’s implement it together.”

I’m not just talking about helping with compliance or throwing around buzzwords to check boxes. I mean real, in-the-trenches support. We need someone who can offer on-demand guidance, model strategies in real time, and maybe even bring a little humor and humanity back to a role that often feels isolating.

What Would a Special Education Coach Even Do?

I get it— maybe the district hasn’t created this role because they don’t see the potential impact. So here’s my pitch:

1. On-Demand Problem Solving: Teachers could reach out the moment an issue arises, getting help with behavioral strategies, lesson adaptations, or even just navigating the never-ending IEP process.

2. Modeling & Co-Teaching: I wouldn’t just give advice and run. I’d model strategies in the classroom and co-teach to provide hands-on support.

3. Resource Development: Let’s face it— special education teachers are the MacGyvers of education. We’re resourceful, but we shouldn’t have to reinvent the wheel every day. A coach could streamline this by curating effective tools and resources.

4. Advocacy & Emotional Support: This job isn’t for the faint of heart. A coach could offer that emotional lift we all need from time to time. Sometimes, it’s just nice to hear, “You’re doing an incredible job, even when it doesn’t feel like it.”

   
   

Why It Matters (And Why It Matters to Me)

Special education isn’t just about meeting standards; it’s about meeting needs— needs that vary wildly from student to student, day to day. We’re dealing with individualized education plans, complex behaviors, language barriers, and everything in between. Yet, we’re expected to do it all without the same level of support other departments receive.

I dream of filling that gap because I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and isolated. I know how hard it is to navigate a system that feels like it wasn’t designed with our students in mind. But most importantly, I know how game-changing it would be to have someone in your corner who gets it— someone who can provide solutions, encouragement, and maybe even a little comic relief when things get tough.

The Bottom Line: It’s Time for a Change

We can’t keep pretending that special education teachers don’t need the same level of support as other departments. Our students deserve more, and so do we. It’s time for the district to recognize this glaring gap and fill it.

And hey, if they’re looking for someone who’s been in the trenches, who’s passionate about making a difference, and who dreams about helping fellow educators on demand... I know just the person.

It’s me. I’m the person. Call me, district. Let’s make this happen. (and yes I tried to follow as many superintendants on LinkedIn as possible)