Primary Purpose:

The Instructional Coach works with the Curriculum and Instruction Department and campuses to support student learning. The Instructional Coach focuses on individual and group professional development that will expand and refine the understanding of effective researched-based instruction. In order to meet this purpose, the Instructional Coach provides personalized support that is based on the goals and identified needs of individual teachers. The Instructional Coach focuses on enhancing teachers’ ability to provide instruction that (1) builds student understanding and skills, (2) is academically rigorous, (3) addresses the curriculum standards and frameworks, and (4) enhances student engagement in and ownership of learning.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Certification

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsement for subject and level assigned

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by employee.

Required Experience:

Three (3) years’ of teaching experience in reading and writing

Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to develop, revise or evaluate standard-based curriculum

Ability to develop, organize and conduct effective professional development

Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral format

Experience in research-based instructional practices

Ability to provide instructional leadership and follow direction

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community. 

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators 

Instructional Management

The Instructional Coach promotes improvement of instruction through activities such as the following:

• Assists teachers in the implementation of curriculum.
• Serves as a resource to schools in the selection of appropriate instructional material and interventions.
• Assists new teachers, in a collaborative model of observation, conversation, and lesson demonstration to analyze and reflect on their practice to promote quality instructional practices.
• Models effective, differentiated instruction.
• Provides individualized, classroom-based coaching with participants to support them in implementing good instructional practices.
• Assists teachers in aligning their teaching with appropriate standards, curriculum and assessments.
• Implements assigned programs and/or projects for the purpose of conforming to district and state curriculum and/or instructional objectives.
• Provides information regarding specific strategies for instruction and classroom management.
• Assists staff with collecting and analyzing achievement data to monitor student progress.
• Responds to instruction and programming needs of teachers, administrators, and other staff.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of curriculum and subject matter.
• Assists teachers with specific classroom activities when requested.
• Supports and implement research-based instructional programs for all students. 

Organizational Management

The instructional coach assists with managing administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following:

• Provides thorough and timely reports, data, and information as requested.
• Evaluates programs and/or projects for the purpose of carrying out and achieving the objectives of the department and district.
• Maintains a variety of manual and electronic files and/or records for the purpose of providing up-to-date reference and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Provides organized, individual and/or group learning opportunities for teachers as needed.
• Monitors intervention programs by observing and meeting with teachers. 

Organization Climate

The instructional coach assists with fostering a positive school or organization morale through activities such as the following:

• Assesses and plans improvement of the school, school district, or community environment.
• Reinforces excellence.
• Promotes a positive, caring climate of learning.
• Uses effective communication skills. 

Organization Improvement

The instructional coach promotes leadership in efforts to improve the school or organization through activities such as the following:

• Collaborates in the development and articulation of a common vision of improvement.
• Encourages appropriate risk-taking.
• Ensures continuous renewal of curriculum, policies, and methods. 

Professional Development/Growth

The instructional coach provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:

• Assists with professional development of teachers and campus administrators.
• Provides focused, sustained training that assists campus instructional leaders and teachers in meeting data-driven instructional goals.
• Maintains current knowledge of professional trends and developments addressing curriculum and instruction.
• Participates fully in professional development for coaches, professional research and reading, and inquiry sessions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of research-based instructional strategies that engage all students.
• Demonstrates knowledge using a variety of assessment tools. 

Communication and Community Relations

The instructional coach promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following:

• Presents information on a variety of topics for the purpose of communicating information and/or gaining feedback and providing staff development for certified and classified special education and non-special education staff.
• Prepares a wide variety of written manuals for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.

Qualities of an Effective Instructional Coach:

The instructional coach exhibits qualities such as the following: 

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work.
• Complies with district and campus policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Complies with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Demonstrates a high level of personal integrity, a collaborative leadership style, and high ethical standards.
• Keeps informed of and comply with Federal/State/District and campus policies.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Curriculum & Instruction supervisors. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Equipment

Computer, computer software programs and peripherals, printer, scanner, calculator, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 

• Work irregular and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends.
• May report to various campuses within the district for a full work day.
• Work with frequent interruptions and maintain emotional control under stress.
• Continual standing, walking, lifting up to a minimum of fifty (50) pounds, and carrying.
• Some stooping, bending, and kneeling.
• Limited exposure to hot and cold temperatures.
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration.
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surface. 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.