The role of the instructional coach is to support teacher capacity and their understanding of instructional practices as related to PA state academic expectations and the use of data driven instruction. Instructional coaches work collaboratively with the Directors of Elementary, Middle and High School, Department Supervisors, Principals, Teachers, students and families. They are responsible for ensuring high-quality instruction in classrooms through modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, and providing feedback/goal setting with teachers. Active listening and effective communication skills will be used to guide a reflective teaching practice. Instructional coaches must be willing to participate in ongoing professional development and demonstrate a passion for classroom instruction and leadership.

 

Roles and responsibilities of the instructional coach will vary by building and by level; however, general responsibilities are listed below:

 

• Maintain understanding of district curriculum and the Pennsylvania Department of Education standards.
• Guide and support teachers with change in instructional practices to improve student engagement and performance (i.e. differentiated instruction and best assessment/ instructional practices, etc.) 
• Facilitate professional development for teachers and professional learning community meetings (PLCs)
• Guide the staff in the process of using relevant data to arrive at informed instructional decision making and adjusting instructional decisions and practices
• Prepare data analysis reports for teachers to be shared and provide targeted support recommendations
• Provide leadership and support for the instructional staff
• Establish & sustain a co-teaching environment in classrooms through demonstrations, modeling, peer observations, and facilitates active discussions about student academic performance data. 
• Meet with teachers individually and in small groups at designated times, during curriculum teams, department and grade level meetings to support effective instructional and intervention practices.   
• Gather accurate and applicable school and student data (Attendance, Behavior, Classroom Based Performance, etc.)
• Collaborate with the principal, curriculum and instructional staff to ensure high fidelity implementation of the district adopted programs.
• Maintain a variety of detailed records in a variety of written and electronic formats including services provided for students. 
• Facilitate an effective daily schedule that is conducive to meeting the needs of instructional staff, based upon student performance data.
• Attend inclusion and parent meetings with student data if necessary.
• Assess and monitor student progress.
• Meet and provide ongoing support to new teachers.

 

 

Requirements:

Active Appropriate PA Certification

 

 

The Wilkes-Barre Area School District is an equal opportunity employer who fully and actively supports
equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation,
gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information or testing, family & medical leave,
protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against
individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or government, or against
any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose
discrimination.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Wilkes-Barre Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access
to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to
handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: The Wilkes-Barre Area School District
Superintendent, 730 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711-0375, 570-826-7111