Special Education Mentor and Instructional and Data Support Specialist Full Time NEW

This district-wide position serves Special Education staff in PreK-12.

1.00 FTE total

Start date: August 26, 2026.

Position Description/Qualifications

The Special Education Mentor and Instructional & Data Support Specialist (TOSA) serves in a dual role, providing both instructional coaching and specialized mentoring to support educator growth and improve outcomes for all students. In the instructional coaching capacity, this role partners with staff to strengthen teaching practices through data analysis, goal setting, modeling, and implementation of evidence-based strategies aligned to Minnesota Academic Standards and district priorities. The TOSA fosters a collaborative, non-evaluative culture that promotes continuous improvement, reflective practice, and shared learning.

In the mentoring capacity, the TOSA provides job-embedded support to special education teachers, focusing on effective service delivery, compliance, and student-centered practices. This includes guiding staff in developing high-quality, compliant IEPs, managing caseloads, implementing interventions, and navigating special education processes and timelines. The role emphasizes building teacher confidence and competence through regular coaching, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Across both areas, the TOSA uses data to inform instruction, supports professional learning communities, and advances equitable outcomes by promoting culturally responsive and evidence-based practices to meet the diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students.

• Please see attached job description for details.
• Salary and fringe benefits in accord with the Master Agreement with Education Minnesota – Lakeville (linked below)

What You Will Like About Us

Student focused; community connected.

Lakeville Area Schools (Independent School District No. 194) is an award-winning school system and the twelfth largest school district in Minnesota serving approximately 12,000 students in Lakeville, parts of Burnsville and Elko New Market, and portions of Eureka, Credit River, and New Market Townships. There are nine elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools, an area learning center, an online K-12 school, Early Childhood programming, and lifelong learning opportunities through Community Education.

Our vision is to inspire a passion for learning in every student with our mission to strive to ensure success for every student personally, socially, academically and civically. We are committed to establishing a school community that values diversity, equity, and inclusivity for all students, staff and families where every person feels welcomed, valued and respected.

As an employee of Lakeville Area Schools, you will have access to high-quality and affordable health insurance plans, along with a range of additional benefits designed to support the well-being of you and your family.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Employees are eligible for benefits on Day One of employment.
• All employees working a 0.75 FTE or 30 hours per week or more are offered full-time benefits including low-cost medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, and legal insurance plans.
• Teachers are offered health and dental benefits at a 0.50 FTE or more.
• All staff working 20 to 29.99 hours per week are offered part-time voluntary benefits including low-cost vision and legal insurance.
• Health benefits include:
• added networks that give employees access to many medical services at ZERO COST
• free virtual healthcare services that offer access to doctors and licensed therapists 24/7
• free diabetes care and heart health prevention programs
• provider choice with the largest PPO network available
• wellness rewards program
• Dental plans include orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 403(b) retirement investment account offerings to help you save for the future with employer matching offered under many collective bargaining agreements.
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (for more information, visit PERA for non-instructional positions and TRA for instructional/licensed positions).
• Staff over 30 hours per week are offered employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death (offered to teachers at 0.50 FTE or more).
• Staff over 30 hours per week are offered Long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury (offered to teachers at 0.50 FTE or more).
• Tax-free flex spending accounts for health, dental, orthodontic, vision, and dependent care.
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• Everyday life can be stressful and can affect your health, well-being, and performance. Under our EAP, employees and their famiies can receive no-cost, confidential information help for a wide variety of needs and concerns: anxiety, childcare, eldercare family conflict, parenting concerns, alcohol or drug addictions, stress management, and more.
• Virtual Fitness Services: easily accessible, effective and affordable way to reach your fitness goals any time, anywhere for better health and well-being.

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Loan Service Forgiveness Program. Some positions may qualify for the Public Services Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov.

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility vary based on type of employment, funding availability, and collective bargaining agreement with Lakeville Area Schools. Employment information can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document located on our website.

FULL BENEFIT GUIDEBOOK

Collective Bargaining Agreements

There are several collective bargaining agreements at Lakeville Area Schools. Check them out on our website under “Collective Bargaining Agreements“

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities and supports workforce diversity

Internal and External applicants apply online https://phl.applitrack.com/isd194/onlineapp/