Instructional Coach of Student Culture and Learning

Job Title: Instructional Coach of Student Culture and Learning Reports to: Principal/Head of School Location: Spark Academy Job Type: This is a full-time teachers’ union salaried position, with some evening work included. Welcome to Spark Academy, Lawrence Public Schools Spark Academy in Lawrence, MA, named among the 4% of schools in Massachusetts as a "School of Recognition" by the state, seeks excellent educator leaders and those who are committed to becoming excellent. We are an innovative public school that consistently strives to create an educational environment where all of our students thrive. Our staff have a strong growth mindset for both their students and themselves, and as such, they are constantly working to improve their lessons and their craft. We seek educators who have a consistent positive mindset about children and their colleagues, and who have a strong work ethic to coach and support the creation of excellent lesson plans that utilize research proven teaching strategies. Lawrence Public Schools is committed to ensuring that ALL students successfully master the content and skills necessary to graduate from high school, college, and/or career ready. We achieve this by providing a standards-based, rigorous instructional program focused on academic achievement and the development of 21st-century skills, accompanied by a comprehensive system of support. These efforts are monitored and assessed regularly to ensure accountability to all stakeholders. Position Summary: The Instructional Coach for Student Culture and Learning will provide personalized coaching, professional development, and resources to help our climate team, counseling, and teachers improve classroom and school-wide culture, management strategies, and thereby instructional practices. The Instructional Coach for Student Culture and Learning also assists building leadership in the development and implementation of systems of tiered support for students to ensure social emotional support for students and a school wide culture that supports academic proficiency for all students that closes achievement gaps for subgroups within the schools, especially multilingual learners. Spanish speaking candidates strongly preferred. Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

ICoach all staff around classroom management strategies and establishing positive learning environments, including overseeing and supporting effective implementation of school-wide behavior system (including consequences (i.e. stumbles) and positive incentives (i.e. 3-pointers)

ICoach and oversee climate associates in running of strong proactive, restorative, and responsive systems to support students

ISupport counseling team in fostering students’ social emotional well being

ILead and support systems that create a school wide culture of joy and celebration of student achievement and growth

ILead development, organization, and execution of positive incentive system (e.g. Miracle March, Spark Bodega)

IDesign and organize activities and events that promote a positive school culture for students (e.g. birthday recognitions, academic achievement celebrations, Field Days, school-wide dances, 8th grade promotion, etc.).

IOversee and coach staff to facilitate safe lunches, detentions (during and/or before school), morning entry, and dismissal.

IModel effective teaching strategies and co-teach when appropriate.

IDesign and deliver targeted professional development workshops teachers in collaboration with other school staff that supports the creation of strong student culture systems and routines

ICollaborate with school leaders to identify areas of need for teacher support and professional learning.

IAssist school leadership and teacher teams with the development and implementation of tier 2 and 3 strategies to support students with high behavioral needs

ILead and execute initiatives to increase student voice and empowerment in the school (e.g. Student Government, Student Surveys)

IOversee school, district, and state-wide student safety and compliance systems

IOversee strong systems of family engagement and communication

IParticipate in district wide coaches meeting and other professional learning to further develop personal coaching skills and content expertise.

IPerform additional responsibilities as requested by the principal/head of school. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Demonstrated expertise in effective instructional practices and student support

Expertise in building a strong classroom and schoolwide culture for students

Experience in adult learning, coaching, or leading professional development.

Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.

Ability to build trusting relationships with colleagues.

Experience with data-driven instruction and assessment practices.

Familiarity with culturally responsive teaching practices. Qualifications & Requirements: • Licensure and Certifications • Valid Massachusetts teaching license • SEI Endorsement or dual certification in ESL l • Education/Professional Background: • Master's degree in Education or related field • Minimum of 3-5 years successful teaching experience in K-12 settings Preferred Qualifications: • Prior experience as an instructional coach or mentor teacher. Spanish speaking candidates strongly preferred. Equal Opportunity Employer Lawrence Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment for employees and applicants. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. Pay Range • $56,372-$84,000 Other • Benefits under the Lawrence Public Schools guidelines. Non-Discrimination Statement Lawrence Public Schools is dedicated to maintaining a workplace and learning environment free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination or participate in investigations. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of the required background check and availability of funding. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of the required background check and availability of funding.