JOB TITLE:               Instructional Coach, Special Education

REPORTS TO:           Director, Special Education

Mesa Public Schools is an award-winning district and voted Best Place to Work in Mesa. With over 9,000 employees, we are the largest school district in Arizona.  Families have sent generations of students through our schools, as we are the premier educational choice in Arizona.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

OVERVIEW:  
The Instructional Coach is a critical lever in improving student achievement. The role of the coach is to build teacher capacity and their understanding of instructional practices as related to standards, PBIS, Social Emotional Learning and evidenced based instruction.  An instructional coach is a learner who models continuous improvement, lifelong learning, and goes above and beyond to ensure student success. All instructional coaches work collaboratively as a team with members of the Special Education Department and Teaching and Learning. Instructional coaches will promote reflection, provide guidance and structure where needed, and focus on strengths, collaboration and common issues of concern. They are responsible for supporting teachers in developing specialized instruction in classrooms through modeling, co-planning, co-teaching and providing feedback to teachers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Holds a valid Arizona Teaching Certificate; three years of successful teaching experience required
• Holds a valid Arizona Teaching Certificate specific to content area; five years teaching experience preferred
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred
• Knowledge and understanding of effective strategies for instructing diverse learners
• Knowledge and understanding of effective instructional strategies, research-based best practices, a variety of assessment methods, and effective coaching practices
• Knowledge and skills in areas such as mentoring; classroom management; alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; peer coaching
• Knowledge of national, state, and district standards and trends concerning instructional methods, resources, and strategies
• Evidence proficiency with technology including presentation equipment, word processing and desktop publishing; and a willingness to use technology innovatively
• Expertise in working with colleagues in areas of professional development, learning teams, new teacher support and/or instructional planning
• Possess a strong commitment to continuous improvement supporting the MPS mission and strategic plan
• Effective communication, planning, organization, presentation, and leadership skills; ability to work with and motivate others
• Experience working with site-based teams
• Ability to plan and present information/training for the adult learner
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently without constant supervision and under stressful timelines
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students and community
• Ability to perform moderate physical tasks (e.g., lifting 50 pounds of books)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Model lessons in classrooms on a daily/weekly basis.
• Support the instructional development of all teachers in understanding the standards, common core connectors, varied assessments, IEP compliance, and data analysis.
• Build strong relationships with teachers, administrators, and other coaches.
• Provide direction and coordination for how the curriculum is taught consistent with District initiatives and recognized evidence-based practices.
• Create an articulated schedule with building administration.
• Provide technical support to collaborative learning teams within buildings.
• Assist teachers with resources, materials, tools, information, etc. to support classroom instruction and planning, including new resources.
• Support teachers and administrators in using data to improve instruction on all levels
• Assist teachers with planning and pacing of lessons, the development of differentiated lessons, and the selection of strategies and interventions to meet the needs of their students.
• Informally observe (non-evaluative) lessons and provide feedback for a teacher’s professional growth and students’ success.
• Develop staff members’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors through a variety of professional development targeted topics and designs.
• Develop coaching plans for teachers to ensure student improvement.
  Utilize Adult Learning Theory to motivate adult learners to improve professional practice.
• Contribute to the development systems and structures to improve teacher practice within schools.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZATION: The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or marital status.