INSTRUCTION AND ENGAGEMENT COACH - J.H. KNOX INTERMEDIATE

Role

Job Description

Instruction and Engagement Coach

Reports To: Campus Leader (Overton-Knox)

Work Location: JH Knox Intermediate, Salisbury, NC

FLSA Status: Exempt 10-month employee

Position Purpose

The Instruction & Engagement Coach ensures that every student at J.H. Knox Intermediate experiences learning that is rigorous, relevant, engaging, and connected to their future.

As a member of the school's instructional leadership structure, the Instruction & Engagement Coach works alongside teachers to strengthen instructional practices, deepen student engagement, and expand opportunities for authentic, real-world learning. Through coaching, professional learning, collaborative planning, and partnership development, this role supports the implementation of Knox's mission - Engaged Today. Transforming Tomorrow.

The Instruction & Engagement Coach helps bring to life Knox's Core Commitments:

• Rigorous Learning for All
• Deep & Meaningful Engagement
• Real-World Relevance
• Wellness & Belonging

This role serves as a bridge between strong instructional practices and engaging student experiences by supporting Student Strong Start, Adult Strong Start, Passion- and Career-Connected Learning, project-based learning, interdisciplinary learning experiences, and authentic assessment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Coaching & Professional Learning

• Observe, coach, and support teachers to strengthen instructional practices and student engagement.
• Facilitate coaching cycles focused on planning, instruction, assessment, reflection, and continuous improvement.
• Lead Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on instructional effectiveness, student discourse, engagement strategies, and rigorous task design.
• Model instructional excellence through demonstration lessons, co-teaching, lesson design, and instructional planning.
• Design and facilitate professional learning aligned with school goals, district priorities, and emerging staff needs.
• Support teachers in developing instructional practices that foster belonging, collaboration, student ownership, and deeper learning.
• Coach teachers in creating learning experiences that align with Knox's Graduate Aims and Design Blueprint.

Engagement, Relevance & Learning Design

• Coach and support teachers in designing engaging, inquiry-based, and project-based learning experiences.
• Facilitate planning sessions that connect standards to authentic audiences, community issues, student interests, and career pathways.
• Support implementation of Passion- and Career-Connected Learning experiences across grades 3-8.
• Model effective project launches, inquiry structures, exhibitions, and student presentations.
• Collaborate with teachers to integrate student voice, choice, and agency into daily instruction.
• Assist teams in designing authentic assessments and performance tasks that demonstrate student learning.
• Promote instructional practices that connect classroom learning to students' identities, experiences, and future aspirations.

Curriculum, Assessment, and Data Leadership

• Support alignment of curriculum, assessment, and instruction with district standards and Knox design principles.
• Collaborate with the MTSS & Testing Coordinator and other instructional leaders to analyze student performance data and identify instructional priorities.
• Facilitate data conversations that lead to actionable instructional responses and improved student outcomes.
• Support teachers in using formative and summative assessment data to refine instruction.
• Monitor implementation of instructional initiatives and engagement-focused learning experiences.
• Assist teams in measuring both academic achievement and student engagement outcomes.

Career-Connected & Community-Based Learning

• Build and maintain partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, higher education institutions, and industry partners.
• Collaborate with school teams to coordinate guest speakers, field experiences, mentorships, career exploration opportunities, and project partnerships.
• Support implementation of community-connected learning experiences and interdisciplinary projects.
• Collect and share student stories, artifacts, and examples of authentic learning experiences.
• Expand opportunities for students to explore interests, careers, leadership, and community impact.

School Culture & Collaboration

• Support implementation of Student Strong Start routines and engagement practices throughout the school.
• Partner with school leaders, counselors, coaches, and support staff to ensure coherence between instruction, wellness, belonging, and engagement.
• Support staff recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and professional growth.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared leadership.
• Contribute to schoolwide planning and improvement efforts aligned with the Knox Design Blueprint.

Operational Support & Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Knox Leadership Team.
• Support planning and implementation of professional learning, student exhibitions, community showcases, and engagement events.
• Assist with instructional logistics related to scheduling, assessment implementation, and school improvement initiatives.
• Help coordinate student experiences connected to career exploration, clubs, projects, and community partnerships.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Leader or Campus Leader.

Required Qualifications

• Valid North Carolina Teaching License.
• Minimum five years of successful teaching experience.
• Demonstrated success in instructional coaching, teacher leadership, or professional learning facilitation.
• Strong understanding of standards-based instruction and effective instructional practices.
• Experience leading collaborative teams and supporting adult learning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, Educational Innovation, or a related field.
• Experience with project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, or authentic assessment.
• Experience facilitating Professional Learning Communities.
• Experience building community partnerships or coordinating career-connected learning experiences.
• Strong data analysis and instructional planning skills.
• Experience coaching teachers across multiple grade levels or content areas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of effective instructional practices, curriculum alignment, and student-centered learning.
• Knowledge of project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, authentic assessment, and engagement strategies.
• Skill in observation, feedback, facilitation, and coaching cycles that promote teacher growth.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to facilitate adult learning and professional development.
• Strong organizational, project management, and partnership-development skills.
• Ability to align innovation and engagement with academic rigor and student achievement.
• Commitment to equity, belonging, student voice, and continuous improvement.

Professional Expectations

• Participate in Adult Strong Start as a daily leadership routine.
• Maintain a visible presence in classrooms and collaborative learning spaces.
• Foster professional trust, curiosity, creativity, and high expectations among staff.
• Model Knox's mission, graduate aims, and core commitments in daily practice.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure coherence between instruction, engagement, culture, and community partnerships.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning.
• Support the development of learning experiences that help students cultivate flourishing lives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Leader or Campus Leader.