English Language Arts Instructional Coach

Kaplan

Full Time

Kaplan K12 Learning Services partners with schools and districts to provide high-quality instructional programs that improve results and help all students achieve. A division of Kaplan Test Prep and Kaplan Inc., Kaplan K12 works closely with our school partners to build proficiency in reading and mathematics, improve performance on state tests, and increase college opportunities. The K12 division is a fast paced and rapidly growing part of Kaplan’s business.

Purpose of the Job:

Kaplan K12 Learning Services, a division of Kaplan, Inc., is seeking educational coaches with expertise in curriculum and instruction to support teachers in the implementation of an inquiry based English language arts curriculum for grades 9 to 11.

Coaches will facilitate the learning of individual teachers through modeling or co-teaching lessons, observation, including careful pre- and post-conferences and through facilitated discussions about classroom and student work.

Primary Responsibilities:

In this role, the English Language Arts Instructional Coach will have the following responsibilities:

• Spend time in and around classrooms, partnering collegially, responsively, and effectively with a group of about 15 teachers who will all be teaching courses within Kaplan’s inquiry based English Language Arts curriculum.
• Assist teachers in daily planning as well as planning at the weekly and monthly levels.
• Model and co-teach to deepen the implementation of the program; Conduct non-evaluative observations of teachers and provide supportive and constructive feedback
• Probe teachers for deeper thinking regarding decisions about lessons and students’ interactions, including the use of assessment data to evaluate and respond to student needs.
• Support the individual teacher learning and in applying those learning in his or her practice. Differentiate support based on demonstrated needs.
• Facilitate teacher-networking processes within a school and among a few schools using Kaplan’s inquiry based English Language Arts curriculum, facilitating team meetings and coordinating peer-observation sessions.
• Develop and facilitate professional learning sessions
• Build strong collaborative relationships with teachers and administrators.
• Demonstrate strong listening skills, appropriate questioning, and confidentiality.
• Communicate effectively with the school administrators and colleagues at Kaplan K12.
• Help coordinate the flow of information about implementation to serve the formative evaluation processes, gathering field notes, coaching protocol documents, and supporting overall project management.

Position Requirements and/or Skills Required:

Candidate must possess keen insight into best practices for curriculum and instruction in inquiry based English language arts courses. He or she must be able to demonstrate the creative problem-solving skills, effective communication organization, and initiative required for this position. Specific qualifications include:

• BA required; MA preferred with emphasis in English Language Arts high school curriculum and instruction.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of high school teaching experience in urban setting required
• Strong content and pedagogical content knowledge in the area of English Language Arts
• Experience in developing and facilitating professional learning sessions
• Ability to build strong relationships with teachers and administrators
• A passion for learning and self-development; ability and willingness to grow quickly into an exciting and challenging role and serve as a role model for continuous professional development.
• General knowledge of best practices regarding inclusion of all students, special education, and English Language Learners (ELLs).
• Successful record of working in a collaborative environment to achieve common goals.
• Superb computer skills, particularly MS Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Reader

Interested candidates should email resume and cover letter to coachchicago@gmail.com