Secondary Instructional Coach; Grades 6-12

The West Plains School District is currently seeking applications for a Secondary Instructional Coach for the  school year. The Instructional Coach will work as a colleague with classroom teachers in grades 6-12, including teachers at Southern Missouri Technical Institute, to support student learning. The Coach will facilitate research-based integration of appropriate instructional strategies and methodology with assigned teachers and will assist best practices through demonstration lessons, observation of teachers who are changing instructional practices, reflective sessions following observations, and the organization and delivery of professional development activities.

The coach will work closely with building administration to identify and support the needs and vision of the building. The instructional coach will report directly to the Director of Teaching and Learning.

As a coach, the teacher will provide professional training and support to assist with the development of teachers, with special attention to first and second year teachers. The Instructional Coach will focus on individual and group professional development that will expand and refine the understanding of research-based effective instruction. In order to meet these goals, the Instructional Coach will provide personalized support that is based on the goals and identified needs of individual teachers.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Support the instructional philosophy of the West Plains School District
• Facilitate the intellectual and professional development of teachers
• Create positive relationships with teachers and administrators
• Assist assigned teachers with the development of instructional practices that produce proficient learners.
• Assist teachers with designing instructional decisions based on assessment data
• Assist teachers with specific classroom activities when requested
• Assist teachers in creating materials that are in alignment with curriculum
• Assist teachers with the integration of technology to improve student learning
• Provide support for classroom motivation and management strategies
• Monitor intervention strategies by observing and meeting with teachers
• Model lessons when appropriate
• Provide organized, individual and/or group learning opportunities for teachers as needed
• Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of assessment tools
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of curriculum and instructional practices
• Provide encouragement and emotional support
• Assist with the development of district curriculum, instruction, and assessments
• Develop and maintain a confidential, collegial relationship with teachers
• Attend workshops/conferences to learn about new innovative instructional strategies as directed by the assistant superintendent
• While the coach will not evaluate assigned teachers, the coach will assist the teacher in progress toward professional learning goals/plans. The duty of evaluation of classroom teachers remains with administrators
• Assist with ongoing professional development during and after the school day.
• Responsible for all duties as established for a certified teachers within the district
• Perform additional duties as assigned by administration.

• The Coach must hold an appropriate Missouri Teaching License and be considered Highly Qualified.
• The Coach must have successfully completed five years teaching experience in the public school setting.
• The Coach must display evidence of training in researched-based instructional practices.
• A Master’s degree from an accredited college/university in an area applicable to 6-12 instruction is preferred.

As schools continue to navigate teacher shortages, it is possible that the candidate selected for this position will be moved into a teaching position if the district is unable to fill all necessary teaching positions prior to the school year. If an internal employee transfers to this position, the district cannot guarantee that the teacher will be moved back into the position that they were previously teaching.

The placement will be based on the needs of the district, qualifications, and vacancies at the time.