Instructional Coach - Olmsted Elementary (internal)

JOB TITLE: Instructional Coach

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Building Principal

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: The Instructional Coach supports student achievement by partnering with teachers to refine instruction. The Instructional Coach uses a student-centered coaching approach to co-design effective, data-informed strategies, fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. This role supports implementation of academic and social-emotional behavior Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) frameworks and supporting the district's assessment processes.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of three years of teaching experience, with at least one year in the Urbandale Community School District.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively and provide supportive, positive peer mentorship.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Demonstrated experience implementing equitable, culturally responsive instructional practices.
• Ability to make data-based decisions to inform instruction and improve student outcomes.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Student-Centered Coaching

• Partner with teachers to identify and implement strategies that directly impact student learning and engagement.
• Use a student-centered coaching model that prioritizes student data and outcomes in co-developing instructional goals.
• Facilitate reflective conversations with teachers, supporting continuous improvement through real-time feedback and actionable insights.

• Collaborative Instructional Design

• Work with teachers to design and refine instructional strategies tailored to meet students' diverse needs.
• Use data to identify improvement areas, develop targeted interventions, and adjust instruction to support student success.
• Guide teachers in setting instructional goals based on specific student performance data and progress monitoring.

• Professional Learning Support

• Provide professional development and embedded coaching focused on evidence-based practices that drive student achievement.
• Encourage reflective practice by helping teachers analyze student data and feedback to guide instructional adjustments.
• Model effective instructional techniques, demonstrating strategies for classroom management, student engagement, and differentiated instruction.

• Leadership in MTSS Implementation

• Support the implementation of the Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS), for academic and social-emotional behavior, ensuring alignment with district and school goals.
• Support teachers in applying MTSS frameworks to address student needs through Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 interventions.
• Facilitate team problem-solving and discussions that strengthen intervention effectiveness and address student progress.

• Data-Informed Decision Making

• Collaborate with teachers to analyze and utilize student data to guide instructional planning, goal-setting, and interventions.
• Implement data-driven strategies to address achievement gaps, ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of instructional practices through data analysis, making adjustments to support improved student outcomes.

• Assessment and District Support

• Assist with the administration, analysis, and application of screening and standardized assessments as part of the district assessment plan.
• Guide teachers in using assessment data to identify specific student needs, inform instructional responses, and measure progress.
• Support educators in interpreting assessment results and adjusting instruction based on student growth and performance data.

• Instructional Practices that Foster Dignity & Belonging

• Promote achievement advancing instructional practices and a culture of dignity and belonging.
• Help teachers create welcoming learning environments that reflect and honor student backgrounds and cultures. 
• Encourage teaching methods that build a sense of belonging, recognizing and celebrating each student’s unique strengths and perspectives.

• Ongoing Professional Collaboration

• Collaborate with teachers, teacher leaders, and administrators to align instructional practices with school and district improvement goals.
• Serve as a resource for instructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagement, fostering a professional learning community.
• Engage in continuous professional growth, staying current with research, best practices, and innovations in student-centered coaching and instructional design.