Academic Coach (ELA, High School)

Title: Academic Coach, English Language Arts (High School)

Department: Teaching and Learning 

Reports To: Director, Professional Development and Programming 

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the  country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 198,405 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and  communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as  diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us? 

Job Summary 

The role of the Academic Coach is to support the use of effective instructional practices in the  area of English Language Arts (ELA) and to serve as a liaison between District and school staff  in support of the implementation of District initiatives. 

Essential Functions 

• Provides support to teachers in the implementation of the ELA curriculum.

• Supports the school’s leadership team in developing the School Improvement Plan and monitoring the plan’s implementation. 

• Teaches model lessons for teachers that illustrate effective instructional practices.

• Works closely with the ELA Lead and Principal in planning, implementing, and assessing reform efforts at the school. 

• Works with the school’s leadership team to develop and implement a staff-learning plan, based  on identified professional development needs.  

• Works collaboratively with District Offices to support district initiatives.  

Other Functions 

• Attend professional development led by the Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment,  or other offices (as directed).

Minimum Requirements 

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university. 

• Three years of full-time, paid, professional experience in teaching English Language Arts. 

• All work experience related to the position must be included on the resume. 

Certificates/Licenses 

• Valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Instructional certificate for English Language Arts.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Demonstrated knowledge of: 

o PA Core State Standards for ELA, including the instructional shifts and their implications for instruction. 

o effective lesson and unit planning  

o research-based strategies for supporting students with varying strengths in mastering  grade-level instruction 

o best practices for coaching teachers and school leaders. 

• Demonstrated ability to:

o observe lessons and give effective feedback based on the Danielson Framework for Teaching. 

o develop and facilitate professional learning for school staff that is based on the tenets of  impactful adult learning. 

o communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 

o establish and maintain effective working relationships. 

Disclaimer 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being  performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an  exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  

Nondiscrimination 

The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees  and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual  orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or  genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the  District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.