Instructional Coach – Project-Based Learning (PBL) Specialist

Instructional Coach – Project-Based Learning (PBL) Specialist
The Next Step Public Charter School | Washington, DC | Full-Time | Exempt
Hybrid Schedule
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (In-Person)
Friday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (Virtual)
Flexibility to work one evening shift (1:00 PM–9:00 PM) per week

Transform Teaching. Inspire Learning. Build Real-World Connections.

The Next Step Public Charter School (TNS) is seeking an innovative and collaborative Instructional Coach – Project-Based Learning (PBL) Specialist to help lead our transition from traditional test-preparation instruction to meaningful, authentic, and student-centered Project-Based Learning.

This is more than a professional development role. We're looking for a planning partner and instructional thought partner who will work alongside teachers to design projects, model instruction, observe classrooms, provide feedback, and support educators through sustained coaching cycles.

You will help teachers connect GED and adult education content to students' lives, career goals, college aspirations, and real-world experiences—making learning more relevant, engaging, and purposeful.

If you're an experienced instructional coach or lead teacher who is passionate about adult education, project-based learning, teacher development, and educational equity, this could be the opportunity for you.

About The Next Step PCS

The Next Step Public Charter School serves DC residents ages 16–30 through Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English as a Second Language programs.

Our students bring diverse experiences, goals, and strengths to the classroom. We are committed to creating learning experiences that prepare students not only to pass their GED, but also to succeed in college, careers, and their communities.

Our work is grounded in our core values:

Community Collaboration Courage Trust Equity Excellence

What You'll DoCoach Teachers to Make PBL a Lasting Practice

• Provide sustained, job-embedded PBL coaching through co-planning, modeling, observation, debriefing, and revision.
• Partner with teachers to develop authentic, standards-aligned projects connected to students' lives and future goals.
• Model effective PBL strategies and instructional practices in classrooms.
• Conduct informal observations, establish measurable coaching goals, and track teacher growth.
• Provide thoughtful, reflective feedback that encourages continuous professional growth.
• Build trusting coaching relationships grounded in empathy, active listening, humility, and collaboration.

Lead Professional Learning

• Plan and facilitate teacher-led and student-focused Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
• Support school-wide professional development, including summer professional development.
• Design and deliver professional learning focused on PBL, curriculum design, instructional strategies, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Support teachers in using digital learning platforms to deepen student engagement and academic growth.

Develop Innovative Curriculum

• Design and curate integrated, thematic projects connected to workforce pathways such as entrepreneurship, green construction, and behavioral health.
• Help teachers incorporate student voice into project design, including the development of driving questions and final products.
• Use engagement, attendance, and project-completion data to continuously improve projects.
• Review and provide feedback on syllabi, lesson plans, curriculum maps, and other instructional materials.
• Ensure curriculum aligns with Common Core, GED, TABE, CLAS-E, CEFR, and College and Career Readiness standards.

Support Instructional Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Instructional Leadership Team supporting English GED, Spanish GED, and ESL programs.
• Partner with Principals on teacher screening, hiring, onboarding, and training.
• Report on instructional needs, progress, and initiatives to school leadership.
• Help develop and continuously improve teacher-facing SOPs, handbooks, academic resources, and school-wide events.

Build Workforce & College Connections

• Partner with the Workforce Development team and external college and career contacts.
• Identify authentic audiences, guest experts, and real-world project opportunities.
• Help connect classroom projects to students' post-GED college and career goals.
• Collaborate with the SPED department to promote equitable access to high-quality instruction.

What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education or a related field.
• Direct experience designing, teaching, or coaching Project-Based Learning or another authentic, real-world learning model.
• 2–3 years of experience as an instructional coach or lead teacher in adult education or high school settings.
• Experience working with multicultural and multilingual student populations.
• Experience with curriculum alignment and improvement.
• Knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional leadership, and educational technology.
• Familiarity with adult education assessments such as GED, TABE, CLAS-E, CEFR, ACCUPLACER, or similar assessments.
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and cross-functional communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in school leadership.
• Strong change-management skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Praxis exams or similar state teacher certification requirements completed.

Skills That Will Make You Successful

We're looking for someone who can:

• Use evidence-based coaching models to improve teacher practice and student outcomes.
• Model effective curriculum design, instruction, and classroom management.
• Use data to inform coaching, instruction, and school-wide improvement.
• Research and identify high-quality instructional resources across subjects and academic levels.
• Integrate literacy, workforce skills, and technology into deeper learning experiences.
• Build authentic, trusting relationships with educators.
• Facilitate productive coaching conversations that encourage reflection and growth.
• Design and deliver meaningful professional development.
• Develop and implement curriculum that translates effectively into classroom practice.
• Support culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Manage multiple priorities and meet internal and external deadlines.
• Leverage educational technology platforms such as Schoology, Achieve3000, and TeachBoost.

Why Join The Next Step PCS?

At TNS, we're reimagining what learning can look like for adult learners.

You'll have the opportunity to help shape an instructional model that moves beyond teaching to the test and toward authentic learning, student voice, workforce preparation, and real-world problem solving.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Influence instructional practice across multiple academic programs.
• Develop and coach talented educators.
• Help build a sustainable PBL culture.
• Connect classroom learning to students' college and career aspirations.
• Collaborate with academic, workforce, and student support leaders.
• Make a measurable difference in the educational experiences of young adults.

Schedule

Monday–Thursday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (In-Person)
Friday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (Virtual)
One evening shift per week: 1:00 PM–9:00 PM, day TBD
Full-Time | Exempt

Compensation

Annual Salary: $84,193 - $95,000 Commensurate with Experience

Ready to Help Transform Learning?

If you're an experienced educator and instructional coach who believes students learn best when they can connect their education to their lives, communities, and futures, we want to hear from you.

Join The Next Step PCS and help us make Project-Based Learning a powerful, sustainable part of adult education.

Apply Today!

EEO Policy Statement: The Next Step PCS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

At Will Statement:The Next Step PCS is on an at-will basis. This means that your employment may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, by either you or the Company.

Pay: $84,193.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience or familiarity with Familiarity with adult education assessments such as GED, TABE, CLAS-E, CEFR, ACCUPLACER, or similar assessments.?

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• instructional coach in adult education or high school: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Required)
• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Washington, DC 20009 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $84,193 - $95,000