SY26-27 STEM Instructional Coach

As an educator with Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, you are considered a guardian to our students (whom we refer to as scholars). You will also build trust and community in your classroom via clear and timely communication with your scholars and families. At JRLA, we have created a model specifically designed to raise achievement for historically underserved scholars. We support your creativity and wholeheartedly encourage a rigorous, personalized, and well-rounded educational experience to meet the unique needs of each scholar in your classroom.

Established in 2011 by NBA Star Jalen Rose and Co-Founder Michael Carter, JRLA is located on the Northwest side of Detroit in the zip code where Jalen grew up. An open enrollment, tuition-free, public charter high school, JRLA provides a leadership-focused education to 420 scholars and over 1,000 alumni. The mission is to empower all scholars to develop the strength of character, skills, and knowledge needed to matriculate, be great in, and graduate from college or a postsecondary program so that they have the opportunities to be successful in the competitive world and take care of themselves and the people they love. 

Built around a 9-16 model, JRLA has never wavered in its pursuit to improve the educational landscape for Detroit area youth. After 15 years of operations, JRLA remains steadfast in its commitment to not only get scholars to graduate from high school but for them to graduate from college or a postsecondary program as well – outcomes that are real game changers in urban education. JRLA is a leader among open enrollment high schools in Detroit for college matriculation; we know the path to college and a successful future.

JRLA is authorized by Central Michigan University and is a single-site charter school. 

Job Summary: The Instructional Coach is a pivotal leader dedicated to ensuring the effective execution of the JRLA Education Program throughout the school. This role is responsible for holding staff accountable for the successful implementation of the program while providing targeted coaching and support to classroom teachers. The Instructional Coach will ensure that 100% of building teachers utilize the Coaching Cycle protocol by conducting weekly observations and offering timely, actionable feedback. Key responsibilities include facilitating the implementation of a standards-based curriculum by reviewing lesson plans on a weekly basis and providing additional instructional support as needed. The coach will play a critical role in driving academic growth by ensuring the school meets 100% of its projected Math and Reading progress from the beginning to the end of the year, as measured by the Horizon assessment. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with the leadership team to plan and coordinate professional development that is fully informed by Coaching Cycle analytics.

The Instructional Coach will also work to foster a school culture that promotes the retention of highly effective teachers through daily monitoring, modeling, and support of guided reading instruction during tier 2 instructional time. They will lead data-driven conversations within Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), utilizing benchmark and WFA data to enhance instructional practices. 

Essential Job Tasks: 

• Leading, managing, supporting and developing high-caliber teachers on campus through consistent coaching and professional development;
• Review and analyze gradebooks to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with grading policies and procedures;
• Verify compliance with schoolwide policies and procedures by accurately documenting, reviewing, and reporting accountability-related tasks;
• Conduct classroom observations and teacher evaluations to assess instructional effectiveness, student engagement, and adherence to curriculum and institutional standards;
• Provide leadership and administrative oversight as the department chairperson for the respective department, ensuring the effective implementation of academic programs, faculty support, and departmental operations.
• Create and oversee the implementation effective instructional systems and long-term strategy with respect to instructional program sustainability; 
• Analyzing key sources of data to identify instructional priority areas, investing stakeholders in the instructional strategy, monitoring progress towards identified metrics, and adjusting strategies to ensure continued growth; 
• Uphold professional ethics and standards as an educator and a member of the Jaguar family. 

Minimum Job Qualifications: 

• All administrators or other person whose primary responsibility is administering instructional programs or as a chief business official shall meet the certification and continuing education requirements as described in MCL 380.1246.
• You believe ALL children can and will succeed regardless of their zip code.
• You have earned a Bachelor’s degree in the subject area or related field (Master’s degree preferred). 
• You have a valid Michigan administrative certification OR demonstrated results as a building-level leader.
• You possess strong classroom management skills and the ability to inspire and motivate high school scholars and staff.
• You are willing to work outside of work hours and on weekends. 
• You possess an openness to giving and receiving frequent feedback. 
• You possess an ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• You possess an ability to work urgently in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.
• You are an excellent communicator with professional interpersonal skills. 
• You are able to work independently.

Core Competencies: 

• A passion for working with scholars and families in under-served communities 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Team player with strong interpersonal/influence skills
• Possess organizational and technology skills

Why should you apply?

• Competitive Salaries
• Paid Development Opportunities
• Retention Bonuses
• Monthly Mental & Physical Wellness Events & Initiatives
• JRLA fringe benefits (birthday gifts, team building events, SWAG, unique experiences)

Our Core Values: 

• The power of FAMILY: I succeed when we all succeed
• The power of RESPECT: I find success through empathy and integrity
• The power of EXCELLENCE: I must take ownership in my learning to succeed
• The power of DETERMINATION: I have the will to succeed

This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

Please note that all applicants will be subject to a criminal background and records check prior to employment, regardless of position.