WHAT IS AN ACADEMIC COACH ?
Updated: Oct 03, 2024 - The Academic Coach plays a crucial role in establishing, implementing, and maintaining the school's educational goals. This person prioritizes enhancing the professional growth and development of teachers. By closely observing classroom instruction and providing specific feedback to teachers, they guarantee the highest quality of teaching in every class. They ensure that all teachers start with a curriculum that is thoughtfully crafted and tailored to the specific requirements of their students. Additionally, the Academic Coach is responsible for organizing and managing monthly In-Service training sessions for staff, meticulously recording the content of each training and the attendance of staff members.
Need-to-Know Overview of an Academic Coach
1. Academic Coach Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure the curriculum map is a written document that is easily accessible to the entire school staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
- Conduct ten (10) "5 Minute Observations" on each teacher within the first quarter.
- Conduct fifteen (15) " Minute Observations" on new teachers to PLC within the first quarter.
- Compile the results of observations for the Site Director, to be handed in on a monthly basis.
- Determine, with Site Director, targeted teachers for further detailed observations/mentoring.
- Provide modeling of effective teaching practices when/where needed.
- Track Teacher Professional Development, forwarding documentation to the Teacher's Master Personnel file in the Human Resources Department.
- Monitor supplemental instructional materials utilized in the classroom for appropriateness and educational value.
- Keep abreast of current research and consider the implementation of innovative techniques which will benefit students.
- Keep the Site Director aware of the materials and the decision made as to whether it is appropriate for usage.
- Facilitate Curriculum Night for Parents/Guardians. Curriculum Night will be scheduled within the first month of the beginning of the school year.
- Assist teachers in the development of daily lesson plans and provide a frequent review.
- Develop orientation and mentoring plan for first-year teachers with PLC, and any returning teachers that need additional support.
- Be aware of ELD requirements and assist ELD teachers with the appropriate curriculum and reporting methods.
- Produce grade level benchmark tests for all grades and monitor their facilitating and results.
- Facilitate administration of benchmark tests and report individual and overall results of the testing to the Site Director.
- Oversee yearly grade level curriculum mapping. Offer critical suggestions on improvement on the plan(s) for the next year school session.
- Meet with Lead Teachers on a monthly basis.
2. Academic Coach Requirements and Qualifications
- Continue a course of study related to the new ADE requirements as related to the AZ State Standards, AYP, AIM and A+ Software assessments related to improving our student's scores and create a game-plan to raise PLC Charter Schools to the "Achieves" level for all students.
- Chair textbook adoption committee.
- Minimum of 5 years of classroom teaching experience. Background in Curriculum / Staff Development.
- Must have an active AZ Teaching Certificate and a valid AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret reports
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations
- High level written and oral communication skills to accurately present information persuasively, professionally and accurately to groups of people
- Entrepreneurial aptitude
- Confidence, resilience, strong organizational skills, exceptional persistence, a high level of commitment, and the ability to guide and motivate others
- Positive attitude, high level of energy and enthusiasm
- Ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently and effectively
- High degree of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality
- Self-directed, with the ability to adapt to changing needs and priorities on a daily basis
- Ability to work variable hours, including some evenings and weekends