Instructional Coach

Instructional Coach

To support teachers in delivering high-quality, engaging, and standards-aligned instruction that fosters students' intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development. The instructional coach collaborates with campus staff to promote continuous improvement by implementing district curriculum and evidence-based instructional practices that lead to increased student achievement.

Education/Certification

Valid Texas Teaching Certificate with required endorsements for subject assigned

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee.

Experience

Three (3) years' teaching experience

Previous coaching or teacher leadership experience preferred

Knowledge/Skills

An instructional coach for Del Valle ISD will show evidence of and demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Lifelong learning - engage in regular professional learning to expand knowledge in adult learning, instructional coaching, and content area initiatives. In addition, the instructional coach is open to receive training to further develop areas lacking proficiency.
• Depth of knowledge and proven practice of best instructional practices for all content areas, including responsive teaching strategies, and in all classroom settings such as special education inclusion, dual language, and ESL.
• Depth of knowledge and proven practice of best instructional practices for adult learners, including the implementation of an instructional coaching cycle.
• Depth of knowledge and proven practice of leading an effective professional learning community and the strategies to help engage teachers in planning for lessons aligned to the district curriculum and student needs.
• Depth of knowledge and proven practice of implementing the instructional coaching cycle, model teaching, co-teaching, and strong communication to improve classroom instruction.
• Depth of knowledge, proven practice, and ability to lead well-planned, clearly articulated professional learning in alignment with district and campus initiatives.
• Practice data driven decision-making for students and adults, including using several data points to inform instruction for students and professional learning for adults.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Instructional Management

The instructional coach promotes improvement of instruction by assisting with activities such as the following:

• Implement the instructional coaching cycle with classroom teachers across all content areas including dual language, ESL, and special education.
• Identify and utilize the most relevant data sources by content area to analyze formative assessment results and guide teachers in delivering targeted instruction that meets each student's individual learning needs.
• Improve student achievement by supporting the use of effective instructional practices, including responsive teaching strategies that promote engagement and learning.
• Enhance teaching practices through various support methods such as instructional coaching, model teaching, classroom observation and feedback, data-driven dialogue, and clear, consistent communication.
• Demonstrate the capacity to lead and support in the design, coordination, fidelity of implementation, and evaluation of the district and campus instructional program including dual language, ESL, and special education inclusion.
• Collaborate in the planning and facilitation of professional learning at both the campus and district levels, including scheduled professional development days and ongoing job-embedded learning.
• Assist in the review, revision, alignment, and implementation of the district's curriculum to ensure rigor, coherence, and responsiveness to student needs.
• Monitor teacher support systems and adjust coaching strategies to align with student achievement goals.
• Collaborate with teachers to design meaningful and engaging learning experiences for students.
• Encourage and support the development and piloting of innovative instructional strategies and programs.
• Facilitate the integration of emerging instructional technologies into classroom practice to enhance teaching and learning.
• Perform other duties as assigned by campus and district administration.

Organizational Climate

The instructional coach contributes to a positive and collaborative school culture by:

• Supporting the assessment and planning of school, district, and community engagement efforts to foster continuous improvement.
• Reinforcing a culture of excellence by recognizing and celebrating effective teaching practices and student success.
• Promoting a positive, supportive, and student-centered learning environment.
• Utilizing effective communication, instructional coaching strategies, and crucial conversation techniques to build trust and strengthen professional relationships.

Organization Improvement

The instructional coach promotes leadership in efforts to improve the school or organization through activities such as the following:

• Collaborate in the development and articulation of a common vision of improvement.
• Ensure continuous renewal of curriculum, policies, and methods.

Communication and Community Relations

The instructional coach promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following:

• Be a positive role model for students, support the mission of the district.
• Establish and maintain open communications with parents, students, principals, teachers, and support staff by conducting conferences.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Professional Growth and Development

The instructional coach provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:

• Participate in national and state level organizations to stay abreast of latest research and best practices.
• Attend professional development opportunities related to designated subject area.
• Read, synthesize, and disseminate research and information related to best practices from books, journals, listservs, websites, and other media formats.
• Attend meetings and participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.

Qualities of an Effective Instructional Coach

The instructional coach exhibits qualities such as the following:

• Maintains consistent daily attendance and punctuality, which are essential to the success of the role.
• Stays informed of and complies with all applicable state, district, and school policies and regulations governing instructional staff.
• Compiles, maintains, and submits required reports, records, and documentation accurately and on time.
• Actively participates in faculty meetings and serves on staff committees as assigned to support campus goals.
• Identifies and addresses unsafe conditions in the work environment and promptly notifies the appropriate supervisor of any hazards that cannot be immediately resolved.
• Adheres to all district policies, as well as applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Complies with the standards of conduct outlined in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local), along with all other relevant district guidelines and expectations. Maintains the highest level of confidentiality in all professional matters.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Equipment: Computer, computer software programs and peripherals, teacher resource materials and equipment, printer, scanner, copier, fax and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Work irregular hours and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends.
• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing, lifting, and carrying (may lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment).
• May be required under specific circumstances to provide physical restraint of students in danger of causing harm to themselves or others.
• Occasional district wide and statewide travel.
• Use a computer for prolonged periods resulting in repetitive hand motion.
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration.
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.