Curriculum and Instructional Coach (Issaquah)

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.

Essential Duties 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 Employees

Gersh 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 eligibility

For over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K-12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student’s unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.