Instructional Support Specialist

Instructional Support Specialist

The Instructional Support Specialist serves as a non-evaluative instructional leader dedicated to improving student achievement through high-quality instructional coaching, professional learning, and teacher support. This position provides ongoing guidance to teachers in the areas of lesson design, literacy instruction, biliteracy development, classroom management, student engagement, assessment practices, and instructional delivery. The position collaborates closely with teachers, interventionists, and administrators to improve instructional outcomes and support the professional growth of educators. When necessary, the Instructional Support Specialist may serve as acting administrator during principal absences to ensure continuity of school operations.

Primary Function

• Living a Mission and Vision Focused on Results
• Leading and Managing Systems Change
• Improving Teaching & Learning
• Building & Maintaining Collaborative Relationships
• Leading with Integrity & Professionalism
• Creating & Sustaining a Culture of High Expectations

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a General Administrative or Principal Endorsement.
• Successful completion of the Illinois Teacher Evaluation Modules required for administrator evaluation responsibilities.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, including the ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff.
• Successful teaching experience in early childhood and/or early elementary grades.
• Experience working within a dual language educational setting.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to model effective instructional practices and provide constructive, non-evaluative feedback to support professional growth.

Essential Duties

• Uphold the established Board of Education policies, regulations and administrative procedures.
• Support, implement, promote and enhance the district's educational program through effective management practices.
• Administrative Support
• Assist the principal with instructional leadership initiatives and school improvement efforts.
• Support implementation of school-wide programs and procedures.
• Serve as acting administrator during principal absences as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or Superintendent.
• Instructional Coaching and Teacher Development
• Provide ongoing instructional coaching to teachers through coaching cycles focused on planning, instruction, assessment, and reflection.
• Conduct non-evaluative classroom observations and provide timely, actionable feedback.
• Model effective instructional practices and demonstrate research-based teaching strategies.
• Co-teach lessons and provide classroom-based instructional support when appropriate.
• Assist teachers in lesson planning, curriculum implementation, and instructional decision-making.
• Support teachers in establishing and monitoring professional growth goals.
• Serve as a mentor and instructional resource for new and developing teachers.
• Literacy and Biliteracy Leadership
• Support implementation of evidence-based literacy and biliteracy instructional practices.
• Guide teachers in developing rigorous reading and writing instruction in both English and Spanish.
• Assist instructional teams in aligning literacy instruction to Illinois Learning Standards and district curriculum expectations.
• Support the integration of language objectives into content-area instruction.
• Monitor implementation of literacy initiatives and provide feedback to strengthen instructional effectiveness.
• Assist in the development and implementation of intervention strategies to support student achievement.
• Data Analysis and Continuous Improvement
• Analyze student achievement and assessment data to identify instructional strengths and areas for growth.
• Collaborate with teachers and instructional teams to develop responsive instructional plans based on student needs.
• Facilitate data discussions and support data-informed instructional decision-making.
• Monitor progress toward school improvement goals and student achievement targets.
• Classroom Management and Student Engagement
• Coach teachers in the implementation of proactive classroom management strategies.
• Model effective classroom routines, procedures, and organizational systems.
• Support developmentally appropriate instructional practices for early childhood and primary-grade learners.
• Assist teachers in creating engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.
• Provide strategies to increase student participation, motivation, and academic engagement.
• Professional Learning and Collaboration
• Facilitate professional development aligned to district and school improvement priorities.
• Lead collaborative planning sessions, professional learning communities, and instructional team meetings.
• Support implementation of district initiatives, curriculum resources, and instructional frameworks.
• Collaborate with administrators, interventionists, specialists, and teacher teams to improve instructional outcomes.
• Maintain positive working relationships with staff, students, families, and community stakeholders.