Duties

The Specific Learning Disability Support Project is a federally funded grant project through the Illinois State Board of Education in partnership with Eastern Illinois University and Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education. The Specific Learning Disability Support Project aligns with IDEA’s purpose “…by supporting system improvement activities, coordinated research, personnel preparation, coordinated technical assistance, technology development and media services [to] ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities.” This project aims to reduce the achievement gap and offer training and resources to meet the educational needs of all students with specific learning disabilities. It also aims to increase reading and math skills and decrease achievement gaps by expanding upon the development of previous training materials to address “specially designed instruction” for students with specific learning disabilities, including, but not limited to, dyslexia.

The MTSS Implementation and Systems Specialist will work collaboratively with other SLDSP personnel to strengthen statewide implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for the accurate identification and support of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD). The primary focus of the position is to develop and deliver Illinois-aligned professional learning, practical guidance, and implementation resources addressing instruction, intervention, progress monitoring, data-based decision making, and SLD eligibility. The specialist will contribute to the development and revision of an Illinois MTSS manual and microcredentials and provide technical assistance, coaching, and consultation to districts and joint agreements.

The primary work location for this position may be remote or at EIASE’s central office. This position requires travel throughout Illinois. The specialist will collaborate with project personnel on conference planning, statewide initiatives, and other shared project activities, and support the Project Manager in meeting program objectives and grant requirements.

Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in special education, education, educational leadership, school psychology, curriculum and instruction, or a related field.
2. Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), or another current state-issued professional license or nationally recognized professional credential in school psychology or a related education field relevant to the duties of this position.
3. Five or more years of experience implementing or facilitating Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) or Response to Intervention (RTI), including monitoring and evaluating instruction and intervention across multiple tiers.
4. Strong knowledge of data-based decision making, including universal screening, progress monitoring, goal setting, data analysis, and the use of data to make instructional and intervention decisions.
5. Knowledge of specific learning disabilities (SLD), specially designed instruction, and the role of RTI/MTSS data in SLD identification and eligibility determination.
6. Knowledge of evidence-based practices in reading, writing, and mathematics, including the use of targeted and intensive interventions for students who require additional support.
7. Demonstrated experience designing and delivering high-quality professional learning for educators, administrators, instructional coaches, interventionists, and/or other school personnel.
8. Two or more years of experience providing coaching, consultation, or technical assistance to educators, school teams, or district leadership related to MTSS, instruction, intervention, assessment, or school improvement.
9. Ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate research, policy, and complex systems-level information; solve complex and ambiguous problems; and translate findings into practical guidance, professional learning, tools, and resources for schools and districts.
10. Strong understanding of effective school-based teaming and problem-solving processes, including the use of data to identify needs, select interventions, monitor implementation, and evaluate student response.
11. Ability to collaborate effectively with educators, administrators, state and regional partners, and other stakeholders to support consistent implementation of statewide initiatives. Ability to build supportive, respectful, nonjudgmental coaching relationships and encourage others through improvement and change.
12. Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, facilitation, organization, and project-management skills, with reliability, persistence, and the ability to help others organize and sustain improvement efforts.
13. Ability to work independently in a remote environment while effectively collaborating as part of a statewide project team.
14. Valid Illinois driver’s license and the ability and willingness to travel throughout Illinois to provide professional learning, coaching, consultation, and technical assistance.
15. Commitment to ongoing professional learning and maintaining current knowledge of research, evidence-based practices, and Illinois requirements related to MTSS, RTI, SLD, and special education.
16. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Salary/Benefits

This is an 12 month position. The salary range is $90,000 to $95,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include board paid TRS, 20 vacation days per year, 13 sick days per year, & $810/mo. toward health insurance. 

Additional Notes

This position may work remotely from the candidate's home or from EIASE's central office located at 5837 Park Drive, Charleston. 

Link to the full job description

How to Apply

Applications for this position will be taken through EIASE's online application. 

Link to District/Third Party Online Application Web Page

https://www.applitrack.com/eiase/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?FromAdmin=true&AppliTrackJobId=949

Email Address

rthoma@sldsupports.org

School District

https://sldsupports.org/

ILearn Link

ILearn

Report Card Link

District Report Card

Application Deadline

11/6/2026