Instructional Coach, Literacy - Los, Angeles, CA (Fixed-term)

Posted:
6/30/2024, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
California, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level

Field(s):
Product

Workplace Type:
Hybrid

A pioneer in K–12 education since 2000, Amplify is leading the way in next-generation curriculum and assessment. Our core and supplemental programs in ELA, math, and science engage all students in rigorous learning and inspire them to think deeply, creatively, and for themselves. Our formative assessment products help teachers identify the targeted instruction students need to build a strong foundation in early reading and math. All of our programs provide educators with powerful tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of every student. Today, Amplify serves more than 10 million students in all 50 states. For more information, visit amplify.com.

Amplify builds innovative and compelling digital educational products that empower teachers and students across the country. Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) is a unique PreK-5 ELA core curriculum program, built on the keys to early literacy and long-term success: foundational skills and background knowledge. Amplify CKLA combines a coherent sequence of rich, diverse content knowledge across social studies, science, literature, and the arts with an explicit, systematic approach to foundational skills instruction. Our intentional program design allows students to build a robust knowledge base for accessing and unpacking complex texts, so real comprehension can happen.

Amplify is seeking an Instructional Coach for Literacy with a background in teaching, coaching and/or school leadership to join our Professional Development (PD) team as a fixed-term employee for Los Angeles Unified School District for the 2024-2025 school year.  

Strong candidates will have a deep knowledge of the science of reading pedagogy and aligned high quality instructional materials. The ideal candidate has taught elementary school and has coached teachers and leaders in support of bringing more effective literacy instruction to life in classrooms. The Instructional Coach will provide onsite coaching and training support in schools for teachers and leaders in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) who are implementing CKLA as their core instruction. The goal is to support high-quality literacy instruction in classrooms and the successful implementation of Amplify CKLA by delivering rich and rigorous coaching and professional learning experiences that result in increased teaching and learning outcomes. 

Primary Responsibilities

The Instructional Coach will commute to and work with educators onsite in the district up to five days a week. This position will follow LAUSD’s district calendar. Most weeks will be 40 hour work weeks, though the Instructional Coach will support the Amplify PD team on department-wide initiatives on days that LAUSD teachers have off (holidays, winter break, summer break, school cancellations, etc.). Support will vary, but may include designing and/or delivering PD throughout the summer and during breaks to LAUSD and other districts.

In this role, you will collaborate with regional/school leadership and the Amplify Literacy Professional Development Strategist assigned to LAUSD to determine the strategy, focus, and coaching approach for different times of the year. You will also partner with regional/school leadership to adjust course, as needed, with an eye toward improving student outcomes. An outcomes-centered orientation and the ability to pivot on short notice are necessary for this role. 

The Instructional Coach’s daily responsibilities will be determined along with their manager, based on the district’s goals and priorities throughout the year. Specific areas of focus may include, but are not limited to:

  • Leading observations and providing feedback to teachers and leaders in order to strengthen the implementation of Amplify's literacy suite, ultimately leading to stronger student outcomes

  • Delivering model lessons and co-teaching alongside classroom teachers.

  • Facilitating professional development sessions (in person and remote), as needed, for leaders and teachers.

  • Cultivating model classrooms as a means of elevating and replicating best practices for planning and instruction.

  • Facilitating PLCs for leaders and/or teachers including supplementary office hour consultations that may include:  

    • Facilitating unit/lesson planning 

    • Analyzing student work and formative assessment data to support instructional decision-making and responsiveness to learner outcomes

    • Supporting data analysis and instructional planning 

  • Providing recommendations to educators designed to enhance equity of learning for diverse student populations including Students with Learning & Thinking Differences and English Learners.

In addition to these specific areas of focus in coaching, the instructional coach will also:

  • Build knowledge about other Amplify early literacy programs (mCLASS, Boost Reading) in order to support a cohesive educator experience across products.

  • Proactively seek out feedback and adapt practice based upon feedback and what is leading to improved student outcomes

  • Create or customize professional development experiences, as needed

  • Facilitate district-wide professional development sessions (in person and remote), as needed, for leaders and teachers 

Basic Qualifications: 

  • Demonstrated experience teaching foundational skills (phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics and fluency) with Science of Reading aligned, high quality instructional materials

  • 3+ years experience leading sustained coaching engagements and professional development for educators in K-5

  • 7+ years of K-5 classroom literacy teaching experience, leading to demonstrable results for students

  • Experience working on collaborative projects with leaders and teachers

  • Experience analyzing data and using it to inform practice

  • Proven efficacy in time management while managing multiple engagements and competing priorities

  • Strong oral and written communication skills

  • Demonstrated proficiency in the use of technology-based productivity tools including Microsoft and Google Applications

  • Able to commute (approximately 5 days per week) to schools in Los Angeles to support educators onsite in Los Angeles area schools 

  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required as this role requires in-person and on-site activities

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience teaching or supporting CKLA

  • Experience analyzing data and using it to inform practice

  • Ability to support teachers in a remote learning environment, if needed

  • Able to navigate instruction with different Learning Management Systems (Schoology, Clever, Google Classroom, etc.)

  • Fluent in Spanish (including speaking, reading, and writing) and able to deliver trainings in Spanish

  • Knowledge of Amplify ELA, mCLASS and/or Boost a plus

  • Master’s or advanced degree in education

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Location: This position requires that the Instructional Coach, Literacy is permitted to work in the US, have residency in the US, and possess a valid US driver’s license. The specialist must live within 30 miles of LAUSD. The Coach may be asked to deliver sessions throughout the country based on business needs and during school closures or if the contract terminates early.

Travel: Local travel is required and considered an essential job function. Car mileage and related expenses for professional development delivery are initially paid in advance by the Instructional Coach, Literacy. Reimbursements for these expenses - including mileage if driving your own car - will be processed 2-3 weeks following submission of the expense reimbursement requests.

Documentation: If selected, a background check and proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required. The latter is subject to potential reasonable accommodation due to medical issues or sincerely held religious beliefs. 

Equipment: This position requires reliable home internet that can support video calls on Google Meet and Zoom and a quiet, professional place to deliver remote professional development. 

What we offer:

Salary is only one component of the Amplify Total Rewards package, which includes a lucrative 401(k) plan, competitive health insurance and mental health options, basic life insurance, paid time off will be taken in coordination with the district calendar, as much as possible., parental leave, and access to best-in-class development programs. The annualized gross salary range for this role is $95,000-$105,000.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To that end, we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. 

Amplify is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. 

 

This position may be funded, in whole or in part, through American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds.

Amplify Education, Inc. is an E-Verify participant.

If selected, a background check will be required. As required by state and local laws and district policies, you may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as proof of vaccination or submit to enhanced background screening, including fingerprints.