Science Coach - Elementary (MFT ONLY)

Sylvania; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Middletown Public Schools seeks an Elementary Science Coach to promote and support the planning, development and execution of the district's science program for grades K-5. You will coach teachers, model instruction, and lead professional development to strengthen inquiry-based learning and cross-curricular integration.

You will collaborate with the Chief Academic Officer and building leaders to advance science instruction, align with NGSS, and implement engaging, authentic assessments that

Qualifications

• CT certification 013/305/062 required.
• Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience.
• Experience with Science and/or STEAM programming and training.
• Ability to work cooperatively and nurture a professional community of adult learners.
• Strong leadership qualities and interpersonal skills, including giving and receiving feedback.
• Solid pedagogical knowledge and content expertise.
• Evidence of professional growth and participation in professional development.

Responsibilities

• Identify teacher learning and coaching needs from lesson plans, assessments and student work.
• Collaborate with district leadership to set instructional priorities and develop PD plans.
• Provide differentiated instructional coaching through co-planning, co-teaching, modeling and feedback.
• Plan and coordinate professional learning focused on high-quality elementary science instruction.
• Support alignment with Connecticut NGSS standards and district science priorities.
• Collaborate to design problem-based units, performance assessments and cross-curricular connections.
• Assist with grade-level alignment and development of curricular projects and tasks.
• Use student data to inform instructional decisions and progress toward goals.
• Coordinate external professional development opportunities and partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

CT teaching certification (013, 305, 062)

Job description

MIDDLETOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mission Statement:

Middletown Public Schools cultivates the brilliance in each student.

Values and Belief Statements:

• Empowerment: Middletown Public Schools empowers its students with the knowledge and skills to create lives brimming with purpose, passion and fulfillment.
• Community: Middletown Public Schools harnesses the power of community by fostering an environment of mutual understanding and appreciation.
• Growth: Middletown Public Schools encourages a culture of growth and exploration, inspiring lifelong learners.
• Authenticity: Middletown Public Schools embraces each person’s authenticity and cultivates an inclusive culture that brings about a sense of belonging.

Description:

Science Coach - Elementary

Location:

District

Reports to:

Chief Academic Offer and Building Principals

Broad Function:

The Elementary Science Coach promotes and supports the planning, development and execution of the school's Science program. The Science Coach assists classroom teachers and other instructional staff in developing strategies, skills, tools, techniques, and the capacity to effectively teach science to students in grades K-5 students. The Science Coach is responsible for collaborating with teachers in promoting and implementing Science activities into the core curriculum through problem-based enrichment opportunities for students.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Identify teacher professional learning and coaching needs through review of lesson plans, assessments, student work, classroom lessons and other evidence to identify professional learning and coaching needs related to science instruction.
• Collaborate with the Chief Academic Officer, school leadership, EIST, and Instructional Leadership Teams to identify instructional priorities and develop comprehensive professional development and coaching plans based on teacher and student needs.
• Provide differentiated instructional coaching to elementary teachers through co-planning, co-teaching, classroom modeling, observations, reflective feedback, and other coaching strategies aligned to individual and team development needs.
• Support the planning and coordination of professional learning focused on high-quality elementary science instruction, including inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning, real-world applications, authentic assessment, technology integration, project-based learning, problem-based learning, and the Engineering Design Cycle.
• Support implementation of the Connecticut Science Standards (NGSS) and district science curriculum and instructional priorities, helping teachers translate standards and instructional practices into meaningful classroom experiences.
• Collaborate with teachers, EIST, and teacher teams in curriculum development to design problem-based units, performance assessments, design challenges, transdisciplinary units, and meaningful cross-curricular connections.
• Support vertical and grade-level alignment of science instruction by participating in grade-level meetings and collaborating with teachers to develop and implement curricular projects, units, and performance tasks that promote continuity and progression of learning.
• Support teachers in using student work and assessment data to inform instructional decision-making, identify student needs, and adjust instruction.
• Assist with the development and implementation of common assessments, authentic assessments, performance tasks, and other measures of student learning.
• Support meaningful integration of science across content areas, including literacy and mathematics, and assist teachers in incorporating science and engineering practices into cross-curricular and transdisciplinary learning experiences.
• Support the effective use of science materials, resources, technology, and other instructional tools to enhance student engagement and learning.
• Coordinate external professional development opportunities and partnerships, including MPS-required science professional development.
• Stay current with research and best practices in elementary science education and share relevant resources, strategies, and opportunities with teachers and administrators.
• Maintain regular communication with building and district administrators regarding coaching activities, identified needs, professional learning, and progress toward instructional goals.

Salary & Compensation:

• In accordance with the MFT Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Plus an additional fifteen (15) days of work, at their per diem rate, as determined by the Chief Academic Officer

Qualifications and Experience:

• Relevant CT certification (013, 305, 062)
• Minimum of 3 years successful teaching experience
• Experience and exposure to Science and or STEAM-related programming and training
• Proven ability to work cooperatively and effectively with colleagues, including the ability to create and nurture a professional community of adult learners
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and strong interpersonal skills, including giving and receiving constructive feedback
• Strong pedagogical knowledge and content expertise
• Demonstrated evidence of professional growth, including leadership and participation in a wide range of significant professional development activities

Disclaimers:

The supplemental job description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Connecticut requires that any person (teachers, administrators, special service staff members, teachers’ aides, custodians, cafeteria employees, etc.) who is hired by a local or regional board of education submit to a state and national criminal history record check within the first 30 days of the date of employment. The process includes the checking of fingerprints by the State Police Bureau of Identification and the F.B.I. The results of the criminal history record checks (both state and federal) are reported to the employing school district. If the district receives notice of a conviction of a crime by a person holding a certificate, authorization or permit issued by the State Board of Education, the district shall notify the Bureau of Certification and Professional Development.