Instructional Coach (Prek-2)

Southbridge Public Schools; Southbridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Southbridge Public Schools seeks an Instructional Coach to build teacher capacity and support high-quality literacy instruction for K-5. The coach collaborates with teachers, administrators, and district leaders to strengthen curriculum implementation, assessment use, and data-informed decision making.

Preferred qualifications include an M.Ed. in reading or related field, MA Reading certification, 3–5 years of K-5 teaching, and experience coaching literacy and math topics.

Qualifications

• Three to five years prior K-5 teaching experience preference.
• Valid MA Reading certification.
• Experience and skill as a coach or mentor for teachers on literacy and math related topics.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Deep understanding of scientifically based reading research and evidence-based practices

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group coaching to support effective lesson planning, instruction, and reflection.
• Model effective instructional practices through demonstration lessons, co-teaching, peer observation, and mentoring.
• Support teachers in addressing the needs of struggling learners and students requiring additional intervention.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and district partners to strengthen instructional practice and student outcomes.

Education

M. Ed. in reading

Job description

Background On Southbridge Public Schools

Southbridge Public Schools serves approximately 2,200 students across six schools and is a district on the move. With several years of focused turnaround work, Southbridge is seeing encouraging progress in student achievement, academic growth, attendance, and staff retention. The district is entering an important new phase—building on that progress while continuing to strengthen instruction, school culture, and opportunities for students. With strong partnerships, new investments, and a growing focus on what works, Southbridge offers educators the opportunity to join a team that is improving and to have a real role in shaping what comes next.

More information about Southbridge Public Schools can be found here.

Position Description

The Instructional Coach is responsible for building teacher capacity and supporting high-quality, accessible instruction across the school. The position works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and leadership teams to strengthen curriculum implementation, research-based instructional practices, assessment, and the use of student data to improve outcomes for all students.

The Instructional Coach provides individualized and small-group coaching, models effective instructional practices, facilitates professional learning, supports collaborative planning, and helps teachers use assessment data and student work to identify and respond to individual student needs. The Coach serves as a catalyst for a strong professional learning community focused on continuous improvement, integrated learning, vertical articulation, student engagement, and achievement.

Major Responsibilities

Instructional Coaching

• Provide individual and small-group coaching to support effective lesson planning, instruction, and reflection.
• Model effective instructional practices through demonstration lessons, co‑teaching, peer observation, and mentoring.
• Support teachers in addressing the needs of struggling learners and students requiring additional intervention.

Curriculum & Professional Learning

• Support curriculum implementation, planning, development, and revision.
• Develop and facilitate professional learning aligned with school and district instructional priorities.
• Foster collaboration and professional learning communities focused on continuous improvement and vertical alignment.

Assessment & Data

• Support teachers in administering, analyzing, and using assessment data and student work to inform instruction.
• Collaborate with school leadership to identify instructional priorities and monitor progress toward student achievement goals.

Collaboration & School Improvement

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and district partners to strengthen instructional practice and student outcomes
• Prioritize instructional support for new and developing teachers.
• Participate in coaching, leadership, and professional learning activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.

Preferred Qualifications

• M. Ed. in reading, education, special education, or related field.
• Three to five years prior K-5 teaching experience preference
• Valid MA Reading certification
• Experience and skill as a coach or mentor for teachers on literacy and math related topics.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Deep understanding of scientifically based reading research and evidence-based practices

for teaching K- 5 literacy, assessment of student growth, change process, and adult learning.

• Deep understanding of current math instructional practices
• Ability to work independently