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.