Position Title: Instructional Coach

Department: Certified Teacher

Reports To: Principal

SUMMARY: The Instructional Coach is a teacher who has both content and instructional expertise particularly in reading, writing, and/or math. The Instructional Coach facilitates the district’s and school’s professional development model by demonstrating lessons, observing classroom instruction, and coaching teachers one-on-one and /or teams. The Instructional Coach focuses on enhancing teacher ability to provide instruction that (1) builds student understanding and skills, (2) is academically rigorous, (3) addresses the curriculum standards and frameworks, and (4) enhances student sense of engagement in and ownership of learning. The Instructional Coach, together with administrators and classroom teachers, looks at student work and designs standards-based, high-quality instruction. The Instructional Coach can serve as a member of a building leadership team working to align district and building goals and to analyze student data in support of effective school improvement planning. The Instructional Coach works collaboratively with other instructional leaders to design and deliver professional development as directed. As a member of a professional coaching community, the Instructional Coach participates in professional development and inquiry into his or her own instructional leadership practice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implements a collaborative coaching and learning approach.
• Assists new teachers, in a collaborative model of observation, conversation, and lesson demonstration, to analyze and reflect on their practice to promote quality instructional practices.
• Models effective, differentiated instruction.
• Provides individualized, classroom-based coaching with participants to support them in implementing good instructional practices.
• Assists building principal in implementing, training, and maintaining a standards-based system of instruction; including standards-based grading and reporting.
• Facilitates professional collaborative groups among teachers in which issues related to implementing effective content instruction are considered, current research and writing on effective practice is read and discussed, engaging lessons are planned, and student work and data are reviewed to inform instruction.
• Facilitates grade-level teams among teachers in which issues related to implementing effective content, skills and problem solving instruction are considered, current research and writing on effective practice is read and discussed, and student work and data are reviewed.
• Provides comprehensive/balanced training in and across given subject areas and curricular areas.
• Participates fully in professional development for coaches, including peer observations, professional research and reading, and inquiry sessions.
• Assists teachers in aligning their teaching with appropriate standards, curriculum and assessments.
• Works collaboratively and collegially with other Instructional Coaches, curriculum specialists and district specialists.
• Develops and maintains confidential, collegial relationship with teachers utilizing guiding partnership principles.
• Provides encouragement and emotional support to teachers.
• Works collaboratively with the principal to ensure that the school's strategic improvement plan supports the goals, objectives, and strategies of the district.
• Helps teachers ensure that the state standards and district essential standards are the foundation of instruction in all content areas.
• Works with teachers in the development of daily, weekly, and unit lesson plans.
• Works with teachers to review problem areas in curriculum, instruction and assessment and in finding and implementing appropriate solutions.
• Introduces teachers to new methods, materials, and instructional strategies that, through research, have proven to increase student engagement and achievement.
• Provides organized, individual and/or group learning opportunities for teachers as needed.
• Models best instructional practices through actual classroom demonstrations.
• Makes informal classroom observations and provides immediate feedback for the purpose of instructional support and program improvement (not evaluation).
• Provides support in analyzing and interpreting student assessment data and assist teachers with developing appropriate instruction to meet the needs identified.
• Assists teachers in incorporating the use of technology into the instructional program.
• Assists teachers in developing sound procedures for assessing student progress and for reporting that progress to all stake holders in a timely manner.
• Works collaboratively and communicates effectively with administrators, teachers, media specialists, guidance counselors and other school staff to strengthen the instructional program.
• Mentors new teachers within the district. This will include weekly/monthly meetings and maintaining logs of those meetings.
• Possesses an understanding of when to contact administrators regarding issues of safety/ethics involving students in classrooms observed.
• Understands that job responsibilities may vary related to each building's needs.
• Assumes responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development by attendance at professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses, and by reading professional journals and other publications.
• Adheres to The Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Profession adopted by the Professional Standards Commission and the State Board of Education.
• Seeks assistance should emergencies arise.
• Represents the school district in a positive manner.
• Knows and follows school district policy and chain of command.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

EDUCATION AND OR EXPERIENCE:

• Idaho standard instructional certificate required
• Highly Qualified Teacher per the standards set forth by Nampa School District
• Bachelor degree required in area of major study
• Prior experience (minimum of five years) as an Secondary Education teacher preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Deep knowledge of reading, writing, literacy development, and/or math
• Previous coaching or teacher leadership experience
• Deep knowledge of and experience in:
• Content
• Instructional strategies
• Conditions of Learning
• Assessment driven instruction (teaching/learning process)
• Effective communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills for building an environment with a common instructional focus, promoting initiatives, and conveying expectations
• Ability to design and deliver quality professional development for administrators and teachers
• Ability to model lessons demonstrating best practice instruction
• Ability to support teachers in development of differentiated lessons
• Outstanding presentation and facilitation skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a professional manner both orally and in writing
• Demonstrated strength in organization, communication skills and efficiency in meeting deadlines
• Experience in analyzing data to plan for instruction
• Demonstrated ability to function as a positive collaborative member of a team
• Demonstrated interest and engagement in professional learning and reflection
• Strong background in teaching methods, developmentally appropriate classroom activities, and effective classroom management
• Strong background in curriculum and Idaho Core Standards
• Strong background in the integration of technology with instruction
• Ability to maintain a positive learning environment
• Works well with students, staff, and the public
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Maintain confidentiality of staff and students

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance, instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before groups of students and/or employees of the district.

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS:Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding instructional practice and discipline.

PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY SKILLS: Consistently demonstrate ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary; organize job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frame.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Able to conduct basic math functions and manipulate formulas in spreadsheets as needed.

REASONING ABILITY:Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form. Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit; walk and stand and reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds. May be required to block or redirect students during negative behavior. Be able to effectively supervise and support staff when consequences are implemented, including supervising physical restraint and seclusion if necessary for safety.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual’s disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside.

SALARY:According to Certified Teacher Salary Schedule

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Certified staff calendar assignment

Nampa School District #131 is an equal opportunity employer/educator with an alcohol, drug and tobacco free environment, and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization. The information contained in this job posting is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.