Instructional Coach - ZEST Preparatory Academy

ABOUT US

ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School is a K-5 charter school in Douglasville, GA (Metro Atlanta area). The school opened in August 2023 with a class of approximately 216 kindergarten – 3rd grade students and  will grow a year, until fully enrolled. Our mission is to provide an academically rigorous, supportive, and joyful learning environment to develop the leader inside every student for lifelong educational achievement and impactful community service.

We will accomplish our mission through an academically rigorous environment where students will master the core subjects, develop advanced academic skills, hone their leadership skills in and out of school, and demonstrate community service. Our staff hold an unwavering belief that all students deserve an excellent education and it’s our collective responsibility to prepare students to take a seat at the table, so they can emerge as the next generation of leaders. We also believe that it’s never too early to prepare students for college and career, so they have the opportunity to live choice filled lives.

OUR APPROACH

Our college preparatory model includes three key components beginning with an intentional focus on language and literacy development to increase critical thinking and reading proficiencies for all students. Second, a discovery-based learning approach where teachers encourage our students to take ownership of their learning by discovering new ideas and solutions to real world challenges. The third component, leadership, teaches essential habits of leadership so students can apply real world skills to their overall growth and development. ZEST Prep intentionally teaches leadership skills beginning in kindergarten.

JOB TITLE: Instructional Coach

CLASSIFICATION: School Based

REPORTS TO: Academic Lead

POSITION SUMMARY

Serving in a founding role provides the opportunity to build something new and set the foundation for success. An integral part of our success will be the daily implementation of highly effective teaching and learning that allows students to thrive academically and socially.

The primary role of the Instructional Coach is to support ZEST Preparatory Academy’s academic plan and coach teachers. This person supports the day-to-day school instructional programming and classroom culture for ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School. The position works closely with the Associate Director of Academics and Executive Director to ensure alignment with the school’s goals, mission, and vision.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM AND CULTURE

Advocate: Advocates for the mission, vision, and strategic direction of ZEST Preparatory Academy

Positivity: Promotes a positive and effective climate by ensuring that all interactions with staff, students, parents, and the public are prompt, efficient, helpful, and friendly

Flexible: Embraces an “all hands on deck” mentality. Must be comfortable with ambiguity

Problem Solver: Recognizes problems as an opportunity and actively assists with constructive resolutions

Learner: Actively seeks out and participates in personal and professional development opportunities

JOB EXPECTATIONS

The Instructional Coach supports ZEST Preparatory Academy’s academic and  classroom culture plan. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Instructional Planning and Coaching

• Serve as a model educator, demonstrating and sharing best practices
• Lead staff members through goal setting, coaching, feedback, and evaluation to continuously improve their craft
• Identify, develop, and facilitate professional development opportunities for staff members that align to yearly school goals and priorities
• Support in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of school performance data to make holistic and individual recommendations for improving instructional practices
• Conduct regular classroom observations
• Provides direct coaching to teachers on a weekly basis

Student academic growth and development

Support the implementation of the school’s instructional vision inclusive of curriculum development, instructional practices, and professional development

Maintain a deep understanding of the Georgia Standards of Excellence to ensure student growth and mastery in all content areas

Maintain deep knowledge of the Science of Reading, and language and literacy development

Monitor student data and promote a data-driven culture within the school community

Ensure positive student growth outcomes based upon required Georgia assessments and internal assessments such as NWEA MAP

Conduct regular classroom observations

 Positive School Culture

• Guide and promote character development of students through deliberate programming practices and by coaching teachers in developing stronger relationships with students
• Provide support for teachers with students who need additional behavior assistance
• Model, promote, and coach others toward effective communication with families, cultivating engagement in their child’s success and the ZEST Prep mission.

Ancillary Duties:

Include, but are not limited to:

●        Demonstrate positive support for the Board, administrative team, school staff, and the community

●        Promote positive school culture

●        Attend after school activities

●        Assist with student arrival and dismissal

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university; advanced degree preferred

Georgia Educator Certificate (preferred)

Experience:

Five years’ experience in schools or education leadership required

Charter school experience desirable

Current authorization to work in the United States

Clear Criminal Background Check

Knowledge and Competencies:

Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, and excellent organizational skill

Strong communication skills

Commitment to excellence balanced with human-centered leadership

Meticulous attention to detail, precision, and accuracy

Knowledge of strategies for organization, management, and adult supervision

Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people in a multi-generational workplace

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Salary range $60,000-$65,000.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered to full-time employees. Competitive rates for medical insurance and short-term disability insurance. Dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance are offered

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

ZEST Preparatory Academy is actively seeking to build a diverse and experienced team of leaders. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are an equal opportunity employer.