Instructional Coach; SHS

Instructional Coach

The Instructional Coach is a site-based professional developer who works collaboratively with teachers to improve student learning by strengthening instructional practice. Drawing on content knowledge and expertise in effective instruction, the coach supports the implementation of research-based strategies, district curriculum, and the instructional framework.

Instructional Coaches partner with teachers to: analyze current reality, set goals, identify and explain teaching strategies to meet goals, and provide support until goals are met. Through individualized coaching, collaborative planning, modeling, co-teaching, and professional learning, the Instructional Coach helps teachers expand their instructional skills and refine their practice. Support is grounded in classroom data and focused on building teachers' capacity to make informed instructional decisions that improve student outcomes.

Instructional Coaches also play a key role in advancing the division's instructional vision and strategic priorities by supporting the effective use of district-adopted resources, facilitating professional learning, and assisting school teams with planning, data analysis, and implementation of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and social-emotional learning practices. Through this work, the Instructional Coach fosters a culture of continuous improvement that strengthens both teaching and learning.

• Hold or be eligible for a Virginia license with a middle school endorsement (for middle school based positions) or high school endorsement (for high school based positions).
• Hold or is actively pursuing a Virginia Postgraduate Professional license (Master's Degree) or equivalent from another state. Preference given to those with Master's degrees in curriculum and instruction or leadership.
• Must have 5 years of successful experience as a classroom teacher at the middle school (for middle school based positions) or secondary level (for high school based positions). Preference given to those with experience in instructional coaching.
• Candidates with National Board Certification and/or endorsements on the Virginia license in Teacher Leader or Mentor may be considered in place of certain experience requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to implement evidence-based instructional practices effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work with adult learners.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, present, and evaluate professional development in various groups and settings.
• Effective communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills are essential for building an environment with a common instructional focus, promoting initiatives, and conveying expectations.
• Ability to skillfully offer constructive feedback to facilitate change.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities, projects, and tasks.
• Ability to take initiative with projects and responsibilities, including personal professional growth.
• Exceptional active listening skills and the ability to navigate difficult conversations with empathy and tact. A deep-seated belief that all teachers can improve and all students can learn.

Essential duties are interpreted as being descriptive and not restrictive in nature. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conduct regular coaching cycles aligned to the Impact Cycle (Identify–Learn–Improve), partnering with teachers to set clear goals, engage in observation and/or co-teaching, and support reflection on implementation and impact to refine instructional practices.
• Model, through targeted professional learning and coaching cycles, effective implementation and adoption of instructional strategies that promote engagement and knowledge construction.
• Conduct instructional learning walks and collect student focused data to discuss, reflect and collaborate with teachers.
• Support teachers in refining their instructional practices through classroom learning visits, fostering reflection and the implementation of best practices aligned to their Impact Cycles, while connecting them with relevant resources and…