Sumter School District - Instructional Coach

 Position: K-8 Instructional Coach (Exempt)
 Reports To: Executive Director of Academics  or designated District Supervisor
 Length of Contract: 195 Days -Work year to be established by the Board.
 Salary: Based on the teacher salary schedule 

Position Summary

The Instructional Coach serves as a district-level instructional leader who works directly with teachers and school leaders to improve teaching and learning. The coach facilitates professional growth through collaborative coaching cycles, modeling, co-teaching, and the use of student data to strengthen instructional practices. The Instructional Coach focuses on building teacher capacity through student-centered coaching, data-informed decision making, and implementation of high-quality instructional strategies aligned with district curriculum and instructional priorities. This role is non-evaluative and is designed to support teacher growth, instructional improvement, and student achievement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid South Carolina teaching certification in Elementary or Secondary Education for Middle School Applicants
 • Minimum of five years successful teaching experience
 • Demonstrated expertise in effective instructional practices
 • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and district staff
 • Strong communication, leadership, and facilitation skills
 • Experience with data analysis and instructional planning
 • Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

Job Duties

The Instructional Coach:
 • Works directly with teachers through instructional coaching cycles
 • Supports teachers in identifying student learning goals
 • Assists teachers in planning, implementing, and reflecting on instructional strategies
 • Uses classroom observation and student evidence to support teacher growth
 • Facilitates reflection and continuous improvement through coaching conversations
 • Supports teachers in implementing high-impact instructional practices
 • Provides feedback and guidance using the Sumter School District student-centered coaching practices

Classroom Support

The Instructional Coach:
 • Models effective instructional strategies
 • Demonstrates lessons and co-teaches when appropriate
 • Supports teachers with lesson planning and instructional design
 • Helps teachers implement strategies that improve student engagement and learning
 • Assists teachers in connecting instructional practices to learning goals and success criteria

Professional Learning

The Instructional Coach:
 • Designs and facilitates professional learning opportunities aligned to district priorities
 • Supports implementation of district curriculum initiatives
 • Assists in the development of teacher instructional capacity through job-embedded professional learning
 • Supports teachers in applying professional learning to classroom practice

Data and Instructional Improvement

The Instructional Coach:
 • Uses student data to support instructional decision-making
 • Facilitates data analysis with teachers and teams
 • Supports teachers in identifying instructional adjustments based on student evidence
 • Assists schools in monitoring progress toward student learning goals
 • Utilizes district data protocols to guide instructional improvement

Collaboration

The Instructional Coach:
 • Partners with principals and school leadership teams to support instructional improvement
 • Collaborates with teachers through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
 • Builds strong professional relationships with teachers and staff
 • Supports alignment of instructional practices with district goals and initiatives
 • Contributes to district-wide instructional improvement efforts

Professional Knowledge and Skills

The Instructional Coach demonstrates:
 • Expertise in student-centered coaching principles and practices
 • Strong understanding of effective teaching strategies
 • Ability to analyze and interpret instructional and student performance data
 • Effective communication and facilitation skills
 • Knowledge of instructional improvement processes
 • Familiarity with district instructional tools and frameworks

Interpersonal Communication

Requires the ability to communicate effectively with teachers, administrators, and district staff to exchange information and provide guidance.

Additional Responsibilities

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor in support of district instructional goals.

The Instructional Coach must not be assigned a regular classroom teaching assignment, must not perform administrative functions that deter from the flow of improving instruction and performance of students and must not devote a significant portion of his or her time to administering  or coordinating assessments. 

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with Sumter School District Board Policy.

SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER