STEM Coordinator/VILS Instructional Coach-OKC

Reports to: Principal
Work Hours: Office Hours- 210 days

Description of Instructional Coach

The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) instructional coach is a full-time position with the primary responsibility for the implementation of the VILS program at the school level. The VILS coach provides teachers with pedagogical support to effectively leverage technology in the classroom. The coach challenges teachers and leaders to fulfill their vision and advocates to improve student achievement by engaging students in the learning process, personalizing learning, etc. The coach works to ensure that every teacher in the building has the opportunity to become proficient in leveraging technology in the classroom to access deeper learning through rigorous and relevant lessons. By being versatile, the coach provides opportunities for the school to innovate and explore enhancements to current practice. 

In addition to building capacity within professional learning communities, the coach creates and leads a culture of teacher leaders who are comfortable with using data for continuous improvement, collaboration, and facilitating professional learning. Lastly, the coach helps to expose students to compelling careers and the technical skills necessary to be successful in those careers.

This position requires a student-centered learning philosophy, creative problem-solving abilities, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and an eagerness to take a leadership role.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Collaborates with Digital Promise staff and school leadership to develop and execute strategic plans that illustrate the integration of the VILS program and school goals.
• Collaborates with Digital Promise staff on weekly tracking and reporting of progress on VILs program implementation
• Keeps district leadership and principal abreast of progress
• Leads and supports the faculty in the integration of effective uses of digital technology through a consistent pattern of strategic outreach and informal support
• Collaborates with teachers in composing effective technology-infused, content-based lessons, and supports teachers as they implement these lessons in their classrooms. In addition, helping teachers reflect upon and improve lessons
• Promotes a strong learning culture among all project participants
• Participates in ongoing professional development related to job responsibilities and maintaining expertise in the field
• Promotes model instructional practices and the role of technology integration
• Collaboratively develops engaging lessons with faculty and provides support through classroom observations, modeling, and co-teaching
• Provides assistance and training to instructional staff in the integration of technology to support student achievement. This includes planning and implementing job-embedded professional development and workshops for individuals, small groups, and large groups
• Nurtures and grows student opportunities for leadership in technology and STEM
• Documents innovative learning strategies for ongoing assessment and publication purposes
• Periodically collects data on levels of technology integration via classroom observations to inform professional learning supports.

NOTE: The person in this role should be focused on supporting teaching and learning, not on supporting IT or technical issues.

Education and Experience

• Prior teaching and coaching experience required
• Strong history of innovative teaching practices and building student aspirations
• Strong understanding of adult learning, andragogy, and pedagogy and their relation to technology integration

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Listens to others and remains receptive to new ideas
• Understands and applies ISTE Coaching Standards
• Addresses criticism in an appropriate manner and develop constructive outcomes
• Sustains effort and enthusiasm in the quality and quantity of work
• Effectively educates/mentors technology users
• Establishes and maintains positive, effective working relationships with staff, students, and the community
• Effectively manages their time, is organized and prioritizes work to meet the needs of the users
• Communicates effectively, in multiple formats (multimedia, face-to-face, etc.)
• Quickly acquires new knowledge regarding technology
• Able to work independently, takes initiative, and is flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing tasks, deadlines, requirements, and decisions
• Enthusiastic about the use of technology
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Designs and delivers technology-enhanced instruction

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