HS Instructional Coach

High School Instructional Coach

Reports To: Principal

Overview: As a leading education management organization, Meridian Charter Schools is committed to transforming the lives of students in culturally and linguistically diverse communities by providing students access to high-quality educational opportunities that elevate their identities as an asset and foster equitable and inclusive learning environments. Meridian Charter Schools is a school management organization (SMO) in Chicago, IL that operates three campuses of Chicago International Charter School: CICS Ralph Ellison High School, CICS Northtown Academy High School, and CICS Wrightwood Elementary School. We believe through collective effort, we will have collective impact.

Position Summary: The Instructional Coach serves as part of the Leadership Team and is responsible for bringing evidence-based practices into classrooms, working with and supporting teachers to increase student engagement, improve student achievement, and build teacher capacity. In support of the school's vision, mission, needs, and goals, the instructional coach ensures that professional development, curriculum, and instructional practices are tightly aligned and that progress on achievement goals is efficiently and effectively benchmarked throughout the year. To that end, the instructional coach focuses on individual and group professional development to expand and refine teacher understanding of researched-based curriculum and instruction. The instructional coach also provides differentiated support that is based on the goals and identified needs of individual teachers.

As members of the leadership team, instructional coaches also assist the administration with tasks related to academic achievement, like testing preparation and coordination, intervention and enrichment programming, assessment development, curriculum analyses, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Mission, Vision, Core Values: Lead and execute a comprehensive vision for the school campus that aligns with the organization's mission and values. Collaborate with the Principal to integrate all initiatives throughout the school. Assists teachers in understanding and fulfilling the school's vision, mission, and goals.
• Ethics and Professional Norms: Leads with integrity and professionalism at all times, even in the face of conflict or ambiguity. Acts to reflect a service orientation, grounded in compassion and partnership, reflecting the mission and vision of the school and elevating the school's image in the community. Ensures that compliance obligations are fulfilled accurately and in a timely manner. Attends, participates in, and leads meetings. Communicates professionally, attending to the tone of verbal and electronic communications, as well as the formatting, grammar, syntax and other elements that support clear messaging and elevate the perception of the school. Seeks and applies purposeful professional development opportunities to sharpen and modernize practices.
• Equity and Cultural Responsiveness: Demonstrates preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds. Supports the creation of inclusive, identity-affirming spaces for students. Implements professional practice and responsibilities, demonstrating cultural competence. Implements D.E.I principles in interactions with members of the school community.
• Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment: Communicates and models evidence-based instructional, assessment, and classroom management practices that engage students and foster improved academic performance. Supports the instructional development of all teachers in understanding and implementing the curriculum and varied assessments, the evaluative tool, and data analysis. Provides direction and coordination for how the curriculum is taught consistent with network initiatives and recognized best instructional practices. Provides clear guidance to teachers on how to align practices efficiently and effectively.
• Community of Care and Support for Students: Conducts crucial conversations based on student performance and survey data for the purpose of enhancing student learning and on-campus experiences. Collects and analyzes feedback of students in the evaluation of instructional, assessment, and relationship building practices and develops a course of action based on data. Leads or supports programs aimed at improving student performance (i.e. RTI, MTSS, etc.).
• Professional Capacity of School Personnel: Works collaboratively with the administration and coaching staff at the school and/or network level to determine how to align practices across education to meet student needs. Leads or participates in school or network teams assembled to develop benchmark assessments, assessment protocols, instructional models, etc.
• Professional Community for Teachers and Staff: Engages teachers in reflecting on and shifting professional practices to generate academic progress and achievement for all students. Produces measurable and observable improvements in teacher performance. Assists teachers with resources, materials, tools, information, etc. to support classroom instruction and planning, including new resources. Supports teachers and administrators in using data to improve instruction on all levels. Assists teachers with planning and pacing of lessons, the development of differentiated lessons, and the selection of best practices to meet the needs of their students. Supports teachers by helping teachers develop and implement instructional, assessment, and classroom management strategies. Informally observes lessons and provides feedback for a teacher's professional growth and students' success.
• Meaningful Engagement of Families and Communities: Creates, develops, and sustains relationships that result in active teacher and student engagement in the learning process and the school community. Acts as an ambassador, elevating the school's image and encouraging families to select and partner with the school.
• School Improvement: Develops staff members' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors through a variety of professional development targeted topics and designs. Develops coaching plans for teachers to ensure student improvement. Logs coaching observation and feedback sessions as designated by the Chief Schools Officer. Utilizes evidence-based practices to motivate adult learners to improve professional practice. Contributes to the development systems and structures to improve teacher practice within schools. Leads meaningful data cycles for school teams; monitors the application and effects of data-driven decisions. Collects, analyzes, and evaluates data to determine school, department, and programming strengths and areas for growth. Leads staff through analyzing and applying data to shift practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Certification: Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educators License (PEL) (K-8; 6-12; 9-12 - Required) or current, comparable out-of-state licensure is required.
• Education Level: A Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field is required.
• Experience: A minimum of 5-8 years of successful teaching experience in an elementary or secondary school is required.
• Leadership Skills: At least 1 year of experience mentoring, coaching, or leading professional development for teachers. Excellent leadership abilities with the capacity to inspire, motivate, and lead a diverse team of educators and support staff effectively. Demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, instruction, data analysis, and educational best practices.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with stakeholders, build relationships, and work collaboratively with diverse teams. A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Results-Oriented: A strong focus on outcomes and a commitment to continuous improvement to drive student success.
• Change Management: Experience driving organizational change and managing transitions in a fast-paced environment.
• Educational Ethics: A deep passion for education and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of students and communities. An unwavering commitment to ethical practices and maintaining the highest levels of integrity.

This position is a Full-Time position.

Physical Job Requirements: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling; some kneeling, crouching, and significant finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 30% sitting, 40% walking and 30% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and climate controlled environment.

Join Meridian Charter Schools and contribute to our mission of providing exceptional education and support to all students. This position is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of students and their families. You are a dedicated and visionary leader with a passion for inclusive education.

Meridian Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this pivotal leadership role.

Compensation: Meridian Charter Schools provides a highly competitive salary and benefits package which includes health, dental, vision and life insurance as well as retirement planning and PTO. We are also committed to supporting professional growth/membership educational organizations that align with our work and demonstrate a transformative impact on participants.