Instructional Coach Full-time Standard (Teacher Leadership Pool Required)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general direction the instructional coach serves as an on-site professional developer who collaborates with teachers to help them use proven practices in the instruction of core content. Instructional Coaches will conduct on-site teacher training and coaching, providing a variety of instructional approaches and interventions to teachers in response to teacher need and analysis of student achievement data.

When assigned to Curriculum & Instruction :

Under the general direction of the Directors of Curriculum and Instruction, the Instructional Coach works with a high-performing team including the Curriculum and Instruction Program Facilitators. The Instructional Coach's primary role is to strengthen teacher capacity in regards to Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS), instructional strategies and pedagogy, educational research, lesson design and modeling, aligned text / materials implementation, lesson critique and coaching. The Instructional Coach supports, models, and provides professional learning in research based strategies and promotes reflective conversations with teachers to ensure high quality instruction for students. The Instructional Coach serves as an advocate for the content area and program within the development and deployment of courses and initiatives. The Instructional Coach will be assigned a classroom teaching load of approximately .5 (one-half) and will be expected to coach the other .5 (one-half) time.

EXEMPLARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Core Professional Development : Instructional coaches serve as a conduit of content and instructional expertise as well as on-site technical assistance and professional development with core materials. They offer expertise in standard-based lesson planning and the development and analysis of classroom-based formative assessments. Coaches model lessons as well as observe and offer feedback to teachers. Instructional Coaches may assist teachers with intervention strategies and implementation of differentiated instruction.

Professional Learning Communities : Coaches may support PLC's by modeling collaborative structures, providing professional resources, compiling and analyzing data, assisting in the design of interventions, and modeling and co-teaching best practices.

Data Analysis : On site Instructional coaches may provide on-site technical assistance as well as assisting in collating and analyzing of data for use in PLC's for instructional decision making. Instructional coaches support the development of assessment literacy at a school site.

Instructional Strategist : Instructional coaches serve as trainers and models of effective research-based teaching strategies and reflective practice including observation and feedback on teaching practices that result in high levels of student engagement and achievement.

School Improvement : On site Instructional coaches may serve on site leadership councils and perform in a leadership role in designing and implementing school improvement plans.

Professional Development : All Instructional Coaches will be expected to participate in a program of support and professional development in order to continually develop and refine their skills in the coaching role.

When assigned to Curriculum & Instruction they will also :

• Demonstrates a high level of understanding and knowledge of the NVACS;
• Collaborates with the C&I Program Facilitators as a content matter expert in the implementation of the NVACS;
• Collaborates with staff across offices and departments to plan professional learning in the content area;
• Develops a strong and current knowledge base in the content area, curriculum, effective instructional strategies, assessment techniques (including the analysis of student test data), and standards. Provides information to school staff as needed in these areas;
• Facilitates a variety of professional learning opportunities designed to increase the knowledge of the NVACS and research based instructional practices;
• Supports teachers in their learning and application of new knowledge and instructional practices in relation to the NVACS;
• Supports adopted textbooks & approved instructional materials;
• Models best practices for teachers through co-teaching, co-planning or demonstration lessons as needed; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education / Experience : Any combination of education that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be :

AND

AND

Knowledge of : The Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS); professional learning standards; in-depth knowledge of content area; current research on best practices for improving achievement and the integration of the strategies in other content areas; adult learning theory; formative assessment processes.

Skill at : Group facilitation and interpersonal communication both oral and written; teaching adults, including effective collaboration; and organizational skills and the ability to design and implement effective professional development experiences in individual and group settings.

Communication and collaborating with groups and individuals; communicating effectively orally and in writing; evaluating, assessing and revising programs; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; ability to innovate and conceptualize new programs; and excellent time management skills.

Licenses / Certificates : Possession of a valid, grade-appropriate Nevada teaching certificate.

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.