ES Instructional Coach
Job Description
Position Title: Elementary School Instructional Coach
Division: Elementary School
Supervisor: Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Position Summary: The Elementary School (ES) Instructional Coach is part of the Teaching and Learning Department and works closely with the whole of the P-12 instructional coaching and curriculum coordinator team to ensure the taught curriculum is anchored in standards, driven by a UbD framework, and aligned P-12. The ES Instructional Coach provides on-site professional development that is innovative, aligns with school-wide goals, divisional initiatives, and best practice research-based strategies. The ES Instructional Coach supports the ES faculty by helping them to identify, learn, and apply teaching and learning strategies that improve student learning and support the delivery of the Concordia mission.
The ES Instructional Coach’s responsibilities encompass classroom management, curriculum knowledge, directing instruction and assessment by facilitating the implementation of high-leverage interventions proven to increase the quality of instruction and significantly impact student achievement. When working with teachers, the coach uses a non-evaluative, partnership approach that promotes trust and professional equality. Coaches may also assist in schoolwide projects such as WASC self-study and action plan implementation, addressing strategic goals for teaching and learning within the ES division and across the whole of the P-12 community.
Qualifications
Education
▪ Bachelor’s Degree
▪ Teaching certificate for the Elementary School years
▪ Specialized training in Curriculum & Instruction or a related area
▪ Certification in Instructional Coaching (e.g., http://www.instructionalcoach.org) or willingness to obtain
Experience
▪ A minimum of 5 years of successful teaching in a school setting, including experience in an international school setting and familiarity with an American-style education system
▪ Accessing content standards and delivering exemplary curriculum units using UbD framework
▪ Deep understanding of the strategies associated with Assessment for Learning
▪ Collecting data and analyzing student performance to determine students’ instructional needs
▪ Implementation of constructivist pedagogies and instructional methods
- Working as an Instructional Coach (Impact Cycles)
▪ Leading learning teams and/or professional learning communities
Skills
▪ Understands the components of effective coaching
▪ Committed to collaboration both within the Elementary School and across divisions
▪ A highly skilled teacher, grounded in knowledge of content and current best practice strategies
▪ Demonstrates knowledge of the developmental needs of Elementary School students
▪ Knowledge of and experience in using a variety of assessments and applying differentiated learning techniques
▪ Effective communicator within a diverse community, both orally and in writing
▪ Demonstrates self-discipline and exemplary organizational skills
▪ Respect for teachers as fellow professionals, lifelong learners and building effective relationships
▪ Demonstrates a positive, optimistic, can-do attitude.
- Professional Practice
Planning and Preparation
- Demonstrate knowledge of current trends in instructional strategies and provide professional development
- Demonstrate knowledge of the school’s program, and levels of teacher skill in delivering that program
- Establish goals for the instructional support program appropriate to the setting and the teachers served
- Demonstrate knowledge of resources, both within and beyond the school and district
- Plan the instructional support program, integrated with the overall school program
- The Environment
- Create an environment of trust and respect
- Establish a culture for ongoing instructional improvement
- Establish clear procedures for teachers to gain access to instructional support
- Establish and maintain norms of behavior for professional interactions
- Organize physical space for workshops or training
- Delivery of Service
- Collaborate with teachers in the design of instructional units and lessons
- Engage teachers in learning new instructional skills
- Share expertise with staff e.g., through teaching model lessons, presenting workshops, facilitating study groups
- Locate resources for teachers to support instructional improvement
- Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness
- Professional Responsibilities
- Coordinate work with other instructional specialists
- Participate in a professional learning community
- Engage in professional development
- Show professionalism, including integrity and confidentiality
- Qualities of an Effective Instructional Specialist
- Model Christ’s teachings through interpersonal skills, respectful relationships and problem solving.
- Establish collaborative relationships with all staff, students, and parents.
- Support curricula established by the school.
- Ensure that personal professional goals are established and completed each year.
Job Specific Expectations
▪ Enroll teachers in coaching through the Impact Cycle
▪ Onboard new Concordia teachers
▪ Facilitate work sessions with focus on student learning
▪ Work with teams to norm assessments
▪ Work with teams to use student work in order to differentiate instruction
▪ Promote a common understanding among team members of unit goals and learning targets
▪ Prepare and communicate work session agendas
▪ Facilitate regular reflection of units
▪ Support vertical and horizontal ES curriculum as articulated
▪ Support teachers in instructional goals
▪ Model instructional strategies
▪ Personalize PD opportunities to connect with Learning Cycle goals
▪ As a school grounded in the Christian faith, Concordia seeks to hire candidates who are able to model their faith, are interested in the complex questions of faith and spirituality, and who are keen to learn and interact with others of different faith traditions.
▪ On regular school days, on duty between 7:45AM and 3:45PM, not inclusive of activities and meetings.
▪ Other duties as assigned
