District Instructional Coach

District Instructional Coach (Y5-5 Mathematics Focus)

2026-2027

per PEA Contract; 2-year funded position

Job Summary: The District Instructional Coach will provide powerful job-embedded, ongoing professional development with a primary goal of enhancing classroom instruction through improving teacher expertise in Young Five through Fifth Grades. The Instructional Coach will work alongside district and building leadership, building MTSS Coordinators, Classroom Teachers, and other Interventionists to strengthen instruction within the multi-tiered system of support and ensure all students achieve academic success.  The Instructional Coach will build teacher capacity and sustainability using the PPS Coaching Model around effective mathematics instruction while supporting the district’s curriculum and resource implementation.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare educational plans for students and groups of students based on individually assessed needs, in accordance with best practices and evidence-based research in English language instruction.
• Utilize the PPS Instructional Coaching Model to deliver various types of coaching to teachers focusing on mathematics instruction.
• Demonstrate and carry the vision of mathematics in Portage created by the Curriculum Review Cycle team, as well as embody the commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all practices.
• Collaborates with the building principals and the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department to provide in-building and district-level professional development around math instructional needs identified in the continuous learning plan.
• Develop staff members’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors through various professional development-targeted topics and designs.
• Utilize Adult Learning Theory to motivate adult learners to improve professional practice.
• Support administrators and teachers in understanding the implementation of the curriculum while providing direction and coordination for how the curriculum is taught, consistent with district initiatives and recognized best instructional practices. 
• Provide technical support to collaborative teams within buildings, interventionists, and teachers (including assistance with resources, materials, tools, information, etc., to support classroom instruction and planning, including new resources). 
• Support Building MTSS Coordinators, teachers, and administrators in using data during staff meetings and PLCs to improve instruction on all levels. 
• Assist teachers with planning and pacing of lessons, the development of differentiated lessons, and the selection of best practices to meet the needs of their students. 
• Contribute to developing systems and structures to improve practices within schools and across the district.
• Analyze curriculum implementation to determine successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Identify cross-content area instructional overlaps and leverage them for student learning.
• Adhere to the District’s and School’s policies, expectations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Regular and consistent attendance.
• Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Employee Handbook.

The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position.  The listing is not all-inclusive.

Qualifications:

• Valid Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate with a minimum of 5 years of successful teaching experience
• Experience in district or building Leadership
• Master’s degree in education or educational leadership, preferred
• Knowledge about current education research and best practice in mathematics instruction
• Deep understanding of the State of Michigan Standards, the Instructional Shifts of the Common Core, and the Standards for Mathematical Practice
• Leadership in the administration and use of universal screeners
• In-depth knowledge of mathematical processes, acquisition, assessment, and instruction
• Experience working with Professional Learning Communities, with proven collaboration and team-building skills
• Ability to collaboratively create and execute clear, logical plans that produce strong results
• Experience in coaching and working with teachers to improve practices
• Commitment to the belief that all students can learn, and to the mission of educational equity
• Ability to use data in the decision-making process, and strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to continuously elevate professional contributions through ongoing reflection, building upon previous learning, and being open and receptive to ongoing feedback
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

PPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online at:  https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps

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Notice of Non-Discrimination:  The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.  The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy:  Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Meisterheim.  Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002