This is an educator leadership position for a middle grades science teacher. The Middle Grades Science Coach will have a .5 teaching load and a .5 coaching role in 6th-8th grade science. This is open to current 7th and 8th grade SPS science teachers. This is a one year appointment and will be paid per the SEU contract.

 

The goal of coaching in SPS is to support classroom instruction to bring all students at the 6-8 level to proficiency or better in the content area by supporting teachers in their efforts to implement the curriculum and maximize the effectiveness of their instructional practice. The coach functions as a colleague, is not part of school administration, and does not participate in any way in the evaluation of a teacher’s performance. Part of this role also includes coaching and mentoring the Harvard teaching fellow who will cover the other .5 of this educator's typical teaching assignment.  

 

Responsibilities: 

Coaching Responsibilities: 

• Help teachers meet the goals for student progress set by the district,Curriculum Coordinator, Principals, and the faculty as a whole. 
• The coach functions as a colleague, is not part of school administration and does not participate in any way in the evaluation of teacher performance. 
• Meet regularly with the Curriculum Coordinator, Principals, and others to assure that students achieve proficiency and that teachers are supported in their instructional practice.
• Create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration among staff that will promote professional growth and accelerate the achievement of all students
• As a coach to classroom teachers, the  instructional coach will spend a substantial portion of the day working with teachers in classrooms. For example, the coach will meet with teachers to plan lessons and assess student progress, perform demonstration lessons and do co-teaching, organize assessments and data. 

Professional Development Responsibilities: 

• Coach classroom teachers in all aspects of science instruction, including the use of student assessments to group students, management of effective whole- and small-group instruction, and individual activities to meet specific student needs;
• Provide feedback and suggestions for instructional improvements during coaching;
• Support teachers to implement strategies for working with struggling readers, English language learners, students with IEPs , as well as for extending learning for students above grade level
• Coach will work with Curriculum Coordinator to design, plan, and implement department professional development

Curriculum and Instruction Responsibilities: 

• Support teachers with the implementation of the science curriculum
• Provide teachers with clear and specific information on how to implement a range of effective instructional strategies;
• Be competently knowledgeable of the Massachusetts Science, Technology, and Engineering Frameworks, and other curricular programs to assist teachers in their implementation;
• Assist teachers to integrate formative assessment into instructional practice

 

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills; 
• Current 7th or 8th grade content area teacher
• Teachers serving with Professional Status in the Somerville Public Schools is preferred; 
• Strong people skills; an ability to win the respect and trust of fellow teachers. 
• Understanding of curriculum and  evidence-based practices for teaching and assessing student progress toward achievement of benchmarks; a demonstrated ability and willingness to learn and stay current on best practices. 
• Must be a licensed teacher by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

 

 

Position Reports to: K-8 Curricuum Coordintor, School Principal

 

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.