Lead Instructional Coach

Position Title: Lead Instructional Coach (2022-23SY)

F.T.E: 1.0

Location: 19360 Harper Ave., Harper Woods, MI 48225

Reports To: School Principal 

Start Date: Immediately

The Mission of Distinctive Schools, an educational practice leader committed to social justice and the elevation of access and achievement in historically marginalized communities, is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.

 Position Description:

The Lead Instructional Coach is an exemplary educator who plays a critical role in building teacher capacity and their understanding of best instructional practices resulting in positive gains in student growth and achievement. The Lead Instructional Coach prioritizes coaching for teachers new to the profession, new to Distinctive Schools, and teachers who would benefit from intensified supports. The Lead Instructional Coach may also lead Tier 2 or 3 interventions for campus areas of focus. This person will: 

Culture 

• Maintain a student-centered perspective in decision making

• Believe that all students and teachers can learn and can achieve great things

• Contribute to the equity work of the campus and network and engage in culturally responsive decision making

• Build and foster a culture of belonging through positive and professional teacher-coach relationships 

• Honor teacher voice and autonomy 

• Cultivate a strengths-based, equity focused mindset

• Celebrate teacher growth and development 

MTSS Interventions 

• Facilitate Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions to support Campus Growth Plan goals and increased student achievement

• Monitor progress of interventions and maintain accurate records

• Intervention assignments are based upon caseload size in alignment with DS Coaching Model. 

Instructional Coaching  

• Area of Focus: Teachers new to DS/teaching profession and those identified as needing intensive support

• Move the performance of individual teachers through goal-setting, observation, co-teaching, modeling, and goal-specific feedback

• Engage in student-focused coaching cycle towards an established goal that leads to improved instructional practices and increase student growth and achievement

• Provide weekly (minimum) coaching for those teachers actively participating in a coaching cycle

• Provide directive coaching as an extension of  the formal observation process  at the request of the Director or Assistant Director

• Prioritizes support and coaching on classroom organization, structures, routines,  and management, instructional planning, delivery of effective, and student-centered  instruction

• Leverage use of video to support coaching and self-reflection

• Analyze classroom data in order to identify strengths and address and act upon areas of focus

• Implement and monitor action steps as determined in the Campus Growth Plan

• Utilize Whetsone to document feedback, coaching priorities, action steps, and accomplishments

• Dedicate and schedule time for instructional coaching in alignment with the DS Instructional Coaching Model and in partnership with the Assistant Principal and/or Principal

• Create a weekly coaching schedule that reflects coaching caseload and priorities.  Submit to to assignment to the Assistant Principal

• Perform other duties as assigned 

Instructional Leadership 

• Meet with the Assistant Principal/Principal weekly to review coaching cycles, receive feedback, and make mid-course corrections 

• Participate in instructional coach collaboration opportunities and meet with Academic Team designee as requested

• Lead with equity-driven, evidence based practices

• Serve as a member of the school’s Instructional Leadership Team and perform other ILT duties

• Contributes to the development of and implementation of the Campus Growth Plan 

• Participate in all required professional development 

• Contribute to the design, planning, and facilitation of New Teacher Institute,  Welcome Week, Regional Collaboration Days, and campus professional development

• Facilitate Data & Design Meetings and planning meetings for assigned teams

• Maintain personal commitment to professional growth by remaining current in research and best practices, and engaging in continuous professional learning

Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree

Qualifications

• Michigan Teacher Certificate 

• 5 years of lead classroom teaching experience or instructional leadership experience

• Prefer minimum 1 year of experience working in urban school setting

• Proven success of student growth

• Technology demands:

  • Ability to review and analyze student and campus data from multiple sources

  • Proficient in Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides

  • Utilize Whetstone to support coaching documentation

• Must be willing to work an extended academic calendar year of 11 months

• Physical demands: Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 20% sitting, 50% walking, and 30% standing.

• Travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration 

• Must obtain an average of ‘Effective’ rating according to the DS Teaching Framework for 2 consecutive years at DS in all domains or equivalent from outside organization 

Why Join the Distinctive Schools Team:

• We are a collaborative team of professionals supporting each other to instill a love of learning in our students

• We empower students, families and staff to contribute to our mission in a meaningful way

• We make an impact in our communities by serving some of the most historically marginalized in the city

• We offer a great benefits package for full time employees (Medical; Dental; Vision; PTO; 403b match, discounted gym membership, tuition reimbursement options, referral bonus)

Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.