What are the responsibilities and job description for the SY 2026-2027 Instructional Coach (Middle School - ELA) position at Gestalt Community Schools?
Description
Gestalt Community Schools is a system of K--12 college--preparatory charter schools in targeted Tennessee communities. GCS schools provide strong academic outcomes for their scholars through initiatives including meaningful community involvement. GCS catalyzes community leadership to help revitalize the neighborhood as it operates its schools in that community. Instead of debating whether education impacts the community or vice versa, GCS believes that the most effective method to support student achievement is an integration of education and community (a true "gestalt").
The Instructional Coach works one-on-one and in small groups with teachers, providing guidance, training, and other resources as needed. They focus on research-based strategies for engaging students and improving their learning. An Instructional Coach is responsible for providing and/or arranging professional development activities for all teachers in a school or district. They are experienced, highly accomplished, and well-respected educators who must have credibility with teachers and administrators. This role requires juggling several roles and the skills needed to oversee a wider professional development effort within the school.
Responsibilities
- Facilitate teacher’s understanding and implementation of the Common Core State Standards, ACT College Readiness Standards by developing and executing school-wide PLCs
- Facilitate the implementation of Curriculum Frameworks through training and observational feedback
- Create learning plans for teams and/or teacher(s) aligned to school academic goals
- Support teachers’ AMO and personal goals by using coaching strategies that gradually release responsibility for implementing instructional practices to the teacher (ex., co-planning, modeling, co-teaching, side-by-side coaching, and observing)
- Consistently analyze teacher practice through ongoing classroom observations, data analysis, and examination of student work
- Provide clear and direct feedback to teachers based on analysis of practice and data
- Works with school principals and deans to create, develop and implement academic goals
- Co-Present during New Teacher Seminar & GCS Educator’s Conference
- Attends monthly Coaching Meetings
Instructional Coache (IC) reports to the school principal.
Requirements
- 4 Years of teaching experience at Levels 4-5 with demonstrated competency of gap closure;
- Ability to manage several projects and meet deadlines;
- Experience presenting and working with adult teachers;
- Knowledge of adult learning theory;
- Ability and desire to motivate adult learners to improve professional practices;
- Initiative to develop systems and structures to improve teacher practices within your school;
- Strong content knowledge and teaching pedagogy;
- Working knowledge, understanding, and belief in the GLOE & Curriculum Frameworks, Common Core;
- State Standards and ACT College Readiness Standards;
- Effective written and oral communication skills;