Learning Coach - Innovative Learning Lab Teachers and Student Facilitator

Learning Coach

Innovative Learning Lab Teacher & Student Enrichment Facilitator for Connally Junior High

REPORTS TO: Campus Principal WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Professional/Exempt
PAY GRADE: Teacher Pay Scale DAYS: 187
LOCATION: Connally Junior High School

Primary Purpose

The Learning Coach (LC) serves as an innovative instructional leader dedicated to extending learning opportunities for students who demonstrate mastery of grade-level standards. The Learning Coach will design and facilitate exploratory, student-centered learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

This position is designed to move students beyond traditional learning expectations by engaging them in inquiry-based learning, real-world problem solving, innovation, and independent exploration. Students will identify authentic world problems, develop guiding questions, research solutions, collaborate with peers, and create innovative products or presentations designed to address issues impacting their communities and the world around them.

The Learning Coach will serve as both facilitator and mentorproviding instructional guidance, academic coaching, and structured support while encouraging student independence, ownership, curiosity, and leadership.

Role and Purpose

The Learning Coach will collaborate with classroom teachers and campus leadership to identify students who have demonstrated mastery of daily learning standards and are prepared for enrichment opportunities. Through pull-out instructional support, the Learning Coach will facilitate advanced learning experiences that challenge students academically, socially, and creatively.

The Learning Coach will create a culture of innovation where students are encouraged to:

• Think critically
• Explore globally relevant issues
• Conduct research
• Develop problem-solving strategies
• Collaborate with peers
• Present ideas confidently
• Apply learning in meaningful ways

The Learning Coach will cultivate a learning environment that promotes student voice, innovation, independence, and future-ready skills aligned with college, career, and life readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Enrichment & Innovation

• Identify and support students who have mastered grade-level learning objectives and are ready for enrichment opportunities.
• Provide pull-out instructional experiences focused on inquiry-based, project-based, and exploratory learning.
• Facilitate opportunities for students to investigate real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.
• Guide students through the process of:
  • identifying global or community challenges,
  • developing research questions,
  • conducting investigations,
  • analyzing information,
  • and presenting possible solutions.
• Promote creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking through authentic learning experiences.
• Encourage students to become independent thinkers and self-directed learners.

Instructional Facilitation

• Design engaging, differentiated learning experiences aligned to student interests and advanced learning needs.
• Serve as a facilitator of learning rather than solely a direct instructor.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and structured guidance while allowing students opportunities for independence and ownership.
• Incorporate collaborative learning structures that encourage teamwork, discussion, and innovation.
• Utilize instructional strategies that develop:
  • critical thinking,
  • communication,
  • leadership,
  • research,
  • and presentation skills.

Project-Based Learning & Research

• Develop and facilitate interdisciplinary projects connected to real-world issues and future careers.
• Assist students in designing inquiry questions and research investigations.
• Support students in using technology, research tools, and multimedia platforms to develop and present solutions.
• Encourage design-thinking practices and solution-oriented learning.
• Organize opportunities for student showcases, presentations, exhibitions, or innovation fairs.

Collaboration & Teacher Support

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to identify students demonstrating mastery and readiness for enrichment support.
• Communicate student progress, participation, and project outcomes with teachers and administrators.
• Support campus initiatives related to student engagement, academic growth, and innovative instructional practices.
• Assist with fostering a campus culture that values creativity, exploration, and academic excellence.

Learning Environment Expectations

The Learning Coach will establish and maintain a learning environment that:

• Encourages curiosity and innovation
• Promotes student voice and choice
• Supports productive collaboration
• Celebrates creativity and problem-solving
• Builds confidence and leadership capacity
• Encourages respectful discourse and intellectual risk-taking
• Develops resilience and perseverance through the learning process

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university required
• Valid Texas teaching certification required
• ESL certification preferred
• GT certification preferred

Experience

• Demonstrated success in classroom instruction
• Experience with project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, or enrichment programs preferred
• Experience supporting diverse student learning needs preferred
• Knowledge of instructional technology and innovative teaching practices preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of differentiated instruction and student engagement strategies
• Knowledge of inquiry-based and project-based learning frameworks
• Ability to facilitate student-centered learning environments
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to inspire creativity, innovation, and independent thinking in students
• Skilled in coaching and mentoring students through research and problem-solving processes
• Ability to integrate technology into learning experiences
• Strong organizational and time-management skills

Instructional Vision

The Learning Coach believes learning should extend beyond memorization and compliance. Students should be empowered to explore, create, innovate, and solve meaningful problems that prepare them to lead in an ever-changing world. Through inquiry, exploration, and authentic learning experiences, students will develop the confidence and skills necessary to become future-ready leaders and problem solvers.