Instructional Coach Job Description
Overview
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An Instructional coach is a person who is responsible for overseeing the implementation of instructional design techniques, usually in an academic setting or in corporate training. They provide training to soldiers, students and teachers in a multitude of technical fields. An instructional coach is responsible for developing and implementing the curriculums, organizing and conducting teacher training. They review and suggest study materials, recommend teaching techniques and strategies, and mentor and provide training to teachers.
Steps to take to start your career as an Instructional Coach and other jobs like it
- Obtain a bachelor's degree in education or in the specific subject area you wish to teach. Many universities offer specific programs designed for future teachers. Along with this you’ll also likely need to obtain your teaching credential. In most places, you'll need to complete a teacher preparation program approved by the state's board of education or a similar authority. These programs typically include a mix of advanced/graduate level coursework and several months of supervised teaching experience (often referred to as student teaching) where you work alongside experienced educators to gain practical skills in the classroom. Consider completing a program that also provides a masters degree.
- Volunteering in different classrooms helps you make connections, experience different teaching styles and gain experience working with students. Most states offer different permits for college students who plan to be teachers or professionals who wish to substitute teach for a duration of time each permit allows. Many permits have a minimum education and skills level requirement which are completed by way of an exam. See your state and desired educational establishment requirements.
- After completing your education and teacher preparation program, you'll need to obtain a teaching license or certification to teach in public schools. Requirements vary by state or country, but typically involve passing exams to demonstrate subject area knowledge and teaching skills. Some states also require background checks and additional coursework. Once completed you will be qualified to apply for a full time teaching position in a school.
- Before being an instructional coach you will usually need experience as a teacher first. You can start by substitute teaching, working as a teaching assistant, or taking on entry-level teaching positions.
- Once you have accumulated a positive resume as a teacher, start look for and apply to instructional coach roles within school districts, often starting as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) and demonstrating your ability to support and enhance teaching practices.
How I Got Into Instructional Coaching
I work as an instructional coach at the elementary school level. I got into this role because I had positive experiences with my own instructional coach. I enjoy conversing about best teaching practices. I enjoy learning about human behavior and what makes people tick the way they do.
How to Become an Instructional Coach
To become a coach in the public school system, you have to be credentialed, unique classroom experience, and understanding of best teaching practices.
Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)
So as a coach, I'm actually considered a teacher on special assignment. So my salary follows the district salary schedule, just like a teacher does. Unfortunately, some administrators misuse coaches as an assistant principal to complete administrative tasks when really our role is to support teachers in their work in the classroom with students' best interests in mind.
What It’s Like
I consider my job to be a mixture of three things, a bit of a learning partner, a therapist, and a puppet master. I'm a partner because I provide non-evaluated feedback, I research resources, I collect and interpret data, I help teachers plan and implement short and long term goals through coaching cycles, I model best practices. Sometimes I sub in a classroom so a teacher can go observe their peers. I deliver professional development to the staff. I'm a bit of a therapist because I am kind of a temperature check for administrators on how the staff is doing professionally and emotionally. I'm a bit of a puppet master because I'm a collaborative learning partner with motives. I support the district in rolling out initiatives. I help foresee challenges. I plan with administrators preparing and crafting their messaging.
Typical Day as an Instructional Coach
A typical work day for me, I'm heavily reliant on my Google calendar and my schedule can be unpredictable at times. My workload really flows with teachers' needs. My real-time work primarily consists of meeting and collaborating with teachers as well as spending time in the classroom to observe and model best practices. Behind the scenes work often is preparing for those meetings, strategically selecting and boarding the questions all used to guide our collaboration. So you know if working with people and kind of predicting behavior is kind of you know your interest, coaching could be for you. Check it out!
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Education you need to become an Instructional Coach
These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming an Instructional Coach
There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.
- Master of Arts (m.a.) in African Studies
- Master Degree in Educational Leadership
- Bachelor Degree in Psychology
- Master Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
- Master Degree in Reading
Annual Pay Estimate for Instructional Coach and Other Important Info
See how many years Instructional Coach's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.
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Career Paths for Instructional Coach
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