Title: Instructional Coach                                                               Classification: Exempt

Department: Teaching and Learning                                           Status: Full-Time 10-Month Position

Reports to: Director of Curriculum & Instruction                    Hired by: Head of Schools

Company Description

Founded in Chicago in 1876, Sacred Heart Schools at Sheridan Road (Hardey Preparatory for Boys and Academy of the Sacred Heart for Girls are independent, Catholic, single-sex, elementary schools committed to academic excellence within the context of a Christian, faith-based community.  The educational mission is deeply rooted in the 200-year tradition of the Society of the Sacred Heart and shared with the Network of Sacred Heart Schools located in 30 countries; including 24 schools in the United States and Canada.  The essence of this tradition is the total development of each child: spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical. Our girls and boys are taught in single-sex classrooms but follow a similar curriculum and share in many activities.  With a total enrollment of approximately 700 students, the Schools are organized into three academic divisions, each led by a division head.

Position Description

The Instructional Coach upholds the mission of the Network Sacred Heart Schools as expressed in the Goals and Criteria and the mission statement of Sacred Heart Schools, Chicago. The Instructional Coach is responsible to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for fostering the professional growth of teachers through the use of a transformational coaching approach. She/he will partner with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and the Academic Team to further build the coaching and professional development program that undergirds the Characteristics of Teaching Excellence and focuses on improved student learning and teacher practice. This non-evaluative role provides personalized, ongoing support based on school goals and identified needs of individual teachers. The ideal candidate will hold both content expertise and teaching experience, be a skilled communicator and motivator, and excel at developing trusting relationships that encourage reflection and assist teachers in developing and attaining their professional goals.

Essential Job Functions:

• Collaborate with classroom teachers and learning specialists to support improved student learning and teacher practice
• Provide differentiated, ongoing individual and group professional learning that will expand and refine teachers’ understanding of classroom management, content, effective instruction, and assessment
• Engage teachers in reflection and refinement of teaching practices via:
  • In-depth conversations with teachers to stimulate reflection, discussion and problem-solving
  • Examining student work/data with teachers
  • Observing teachers’ instructional practices
  • Demonstrating model lessons for teachers to observe
  • Arranging for peer observations of other colleagues in the building
  • Co-planning curricula or lessons with teachers
  • Co-teaching lessons with teachers
• Support teachers in assessing curriculum and taking actions to develop, revise, and/or align their work
• Guide teams and teachers in using formative and common classroom assessments in order to develop differentiated instruction.
• Promote and facilitate teacher leadership vis a vis Professional Learning Communities and coaching teacher teams
• Recommend resources, sharing research and emerging trends
• Maintain personal commitment to professional growth by remaining current in research and best practices, and engaging in continuous professional learning
• Fulfill other responsibilities as assigned by Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Qualities and Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Education or related field
• 10 years successful teaching experience
• Instructional Coach training and experience
• Knowledge of adult learning theory
• Experience working with and presenting to adults
• Highly effective communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills
• Ability to model lessons demonstrating best practice instruction
• Ability to support teachers in development of differentiated lessons
• Outstanding presentation and team facilitation skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in professional manner both orally and in writing
• Experience in analyzing data to plan for instruction
• Proficient technology skills

Sacred Heart Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate