Instructional Coach for Math/Science

Location:  Site Level/School

Reports To: School Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: Per WBR Salary Schedule

Terms of Employment: 10 Months

GENERAL OVERVIEW

The primary responsibility of the Mathematics/Science Instructional Coach is to improve, standardize, and bring consistency to the quality of the instruction of mathematics/science in assigned schools. Instructional Coaches model lessons and work with teachers and students. They should spend the majority of their day supporting teachers and analyzing data to implement and sustain effective instructional strategies grounded in scientifically-based research.

 The Instructional Coach will provide instructional support and coaching as they work to ensure that each student is able to reach his or her academic potential. The Instructional Coach primary role is to work with teachers to support best practices in using data, provide analysis of school-wide trends in instruction, and make recommendations about potential next steps to address areas of need. As an advisor to math/science teachers and administration, the Instructional Coach is responsible for four main areas: a) observing instructional delivery and providing feedback to enhance and support the development of each math teacher's content area b) supporting teachers in the design of units and lessons for the development of their yearlong curriculum, c) analyzing data in order to modify curriculum and forms of assessment to meet students' needs, and d) working with the academic staff (grade level chairs, assistant principals, principals) to support sharing of best practices. The Instructional Coach will work collaboratively with the administration to advise  on developing instructional strategies and intervention programs for struggling students. This may include modeling lessons in classrooms, helping teacher groups plan instruction, creating system-wide policies and procedures, and facilitating professional development.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works collaboratively with the principals and teachers at the assigned school in developing instructional plans that are consistent with the core instructional area(s) and improvement efforts of West Baton Rouge Parish.
• Support the instructional development of all teachers in understanding the curriculum and varied assessments as well as data analysis.
• Build strong relationships with teachers, administrators, and other instructional coaches.
• Provide direction and coordination for how the curriculum is taught consistent with district initiatives and recognized best practices.
• Works closely with the system’s instructional supervisory staff to stay abreast of the latest research and trends in instruction.
• Assists teachers in planning and selecting effective strategies such as differentiated instruction and cooperative learning to meet the needs of their students.
• Assist teachers with resources, materials, tools, and information to support classroom instruction and planning.
• Observe lessons and provide feedback for a teacher’s professional growth and students’ success
• Develop teacher knowledge, skills, and behaviors through a variety of targeted professional development.
• Develop coaching plans for teachers to ensure student improvement.
• Assist classroom teachers in implementing a challenging and rigorous curriculum.
• Assists leadership team in interpreting test data and designing activities to improve student achievement.
• Assist faculty in implementing an effective multi- tiered system of support for struggling students.
• Provide job-embedded Professional learning.
• Designs and plans appropriate activities for summer programs.
• Assists teachers in diagnosing specific problems and suggesting alternative solutions such as small-group re-teaching, whole-class instruction and inclusive practices
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PERSONAL TRAITS

Exhibits competency in the following areas:

·         Poise and self-confidence

·         Enthusiasm and optimism

·         Punctuality

·         Dependability

·         Flexibility

·         Willingness to implement recommendations

·         Acceptable speech and grammar

·         Effective communication and rapport with students

·         Discreet handling of confidential information

·         Unbiased attitude regarding race, sex, creed, religion or disability

·         Effective communication and rapport with colleagues and other adults

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree preferred. Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree and a Level II or III or Type B or A Louisiana Teaching Certificate. Must have demonstrated at least 3- 5 years of successful years as a classroom mathematics/science teacher, along with knowledge and success in using current mathematics/science initiatives. Must have experience using current high quality/Tier I Curriculum. Additional criteria may be established by the Board.

Preferred:

Experience working with adult learners, coaching teachers, and delivering professional development.

Strong record of helping students achieve academic success, primarily with minority and lowincome students

A deep understanding of content specific and general pedagogy, the LA Standards for Mathematics and current trends and best practices in curriculum design and instruction

Significant experience with math/science curriculum development and daily lesson planning

Experience in analyzing data and using results to modify curricula

Multi-faceted, multi-skilled, resourceful, and willing to do whatever it takes to help our students reach a level of academic excellence Model positive and healthy character traits and habits, such as being organized, consistent and understanding

Unquestioned integrity and commitment to the WBR vision and mission and willingness to serve the WBR community

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Work Environment: The Instructional Coach will work in a climate-controlled environment adhering to the School Board energy policy. Workday consist of regular school hours.   Then length of the workday consists of teacher hours at the assigned school and may vary as the result of meetings, evening activities or emergencies.

Communication Skills: The Instructional Coach must be able to effectively communicate in English both orally and in writing. Must have the ability to accurately give and receive information via telecommunication system and must be able to communicate successfully with students, teachers, parents, school personnel, and the community.

Equipment Used: The Instructional Coach must be able to use a telephone, cell phone, fax machine, scanner, audio-visual equipment, PC, PC software, hardware, copy machine, laminator, calculator, and other appropriate technology that may be relevant and appropriate for an elementary mathematics classroom.

Physical and Mental Involvement: The Instructional Coach should be able to perform these physical activities: standing, walking, reaching bending, and lifting 10 pounds (sometimes required).   The Instructional Coach must be able to plan and implement appropriate mathematics educational programs for staff. Must be able to understand and interpret written and verbal instructions and compute mathematical functions. Must demonstrate ability to analyze data and give thoughtful feedback. Must keep accurate, up-to-date records. Must be able to comply with state and parish regulations.

Human Relations: The Instructional Coach must be able to work cooperatively with district personnel and the community. Must be able to respond appropriately to supervision and accept commendations and recommendations. Must demonstrate sensitivity/understanding in interpersonal relations with persons of diverse cultures/backgrounds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Job descriptions are designed and intended only to summarize the essential duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements for the purpose of clarifying the general nature and scope of a position’s role as part of the overall organization. Job descriptions do not list all tasks an employee might be expected to perform. Every employee has a duty to perform all assigned tasks. An employee who is assigned a duty or task believed to be unlawful should report the assignment to the Director of Human Resources/Staff Development. It should also be noted the order of duties/responsibilities as listed in the job description is not designed nor intended to rank the duties in any order of importance relative to each other.