[Hiring] Instructional Coach @Connections Academy

Role Description

The Instructional Coach supports continuous improvement in teaching and learning by partnering with educators to strengthen instructional practice and student outcomes. Working within a virtual cyber charter school environment, the Instructional Coach provides job-embedded coaching, professional learning, and data-informed support aligned to Pennsylvania Core Standards, PDE guidance, and school instructional priorities. This role is non-evaluative, collaborative, and focused on capacity-building to improve instructional quality and consistency across virtual classrooms.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Instructional Coaching & Professional Practice
  • Provide job-embedded instructional coaching to teachers through observation, feedback, modeling, co-planning, and reflective practice.
  • Support teachers in designing and delivering high-quality, standards-aligned instruction in a virtual environment.
  • Model effective virtual instructional strategies, including engagement, differentiation, formative assessment, and the use of instructional technology.
  • Partner with school leadership to support consistent implementation of curriculum, instructional frameworks, and best practices.
• Data-Driven Instruction & Continuous Improvement
  • Support teachers in analyzing student data (benchmark assessments, formative data, PSSA/Keystone indicators) to inform instructional planning.
  • Facilitate data conversations focused on instructional improvement and student growth.
  • Assist in identifying instructional trends, strengths, and areas for targeted support across grade levels or content areas.
• MTSS & Student Support Alignment
  • Collaborate with MTSS teams to support Tier 1 instructional practices that strengthen core instruction.
  • Support alignment between core instruction and intervention practices (without serving as the primary intervention provider).
  • Work collaboratively with special education staff, interventionists, and administrators to ensure instructional coherence for diverse learners.
• Professional Learning & Capacity Building
  • Design and facilitate professional learning experiences aligned to school priorities, PDE initiatives, and instructional needs.
  • Support onboarding and induction of new teachers, including virtual instructional expectations and instructional systems.
  • Share research-based practices and resources to strengthen instructional effectiveness across the school.
• Compliance & Documentation
  • Ensure instructional support aligns with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements, including Chapter 4 academic standards and Chapter 49 educator preparation expectations as applicable.
  • Maintain documentation of coaching activities, professional learning participation, and support provided.
  • Adhere to all school policies related to confidentiality, professional conduct, and virtual work expectations.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Communicate regularly with teachers, school leaders, and instructional teams regarding goals, progress, and instructional supports.
  • Participate in instructional leadership meetings and school improvement planning as assigned.
  • Foster a culture of trust, reflection, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field preferred.
• Valid Pennsylvania Instructional Certificate required (content-area appropriate).
• Instructional II certification preferred.
• Successful K–12 teaching experience with demonstrated effectiveness in student achievement.
• Experience supporting adult learners through coaching, mentoring, or professional development.
• Experience in a virtual, blended, or technology-supported instructional environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of Pennsylvania Core Standards and effective instructional practices.
• Ability to coach adults using collaborative, non-evaluative approaches.
• Proficiency with LMS platforms, virtual instructional tools, and data systems.
• Strong organizational, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt support based on teacher and school needs.

Performance Outcomes

• Improved instructional quality and consistency across virtual classrooms.
• Increased teacher confidence and capacity in delivering effective virtual instruction.
• Evidence of data-informed instructional planning and student growth.
• Positive feedback from teachers regarding coaching support and professional learning.