Dorchester County Public Schools is currently seeking Instructional Coaches to support secondary (6–12) schools. Dorchester County Public Schools is in the midst of dramatic systemwide improvement and is entering the first year of implementation of our ambitious Believe in Us: Achieving Our Potential Together Strategic Plan. This is a unique opportunity to help lead transformational work in a school setting as part of a creative, results-focused team.

 

We are seeking instructional coaches who will serve as part of a cohesive, districtwide coaching cadre focused on strengthening high-quality Tier 1 instruction. Coaches will be assigned to work in school buildings for at least 80% of their time providing job-embedded coaching and direct instructional support to teachers in the classroom. Instructional Coaches will work collaboratively across schools and content areas, contributing to a well-balanced secondary coaching team. While all coaches are expected to support strong instructional practices schoolwide, candidates may bring specific content expertise (e.g., ELA, mathematics, science, social studies, or other disciplines). Hiring decisions will consider both individual qualifications and how a candidate’s strengths contribute to the overall composition and needs of the coaching team.

 

The Secondary Instructional Coach provides job-embedded, school-based professional learning and instructional support to teachers across content areas. This role focuses on strengthening effective pedagogy, high-quality curriculum implementation, assessment practices, and consistent use of the district instructional process. The Instructional Coach works collaboratively with teachers, principals, and district leadership to support continuous improvement, instructional coherence, and implementation of district and state initiatives while maintaining a non-evaluative, growth-focused coaching stance. This position reports to the Director of Secondary Schools and works closely with the Secondary Coordinator of Educator Growth and Development.

 

DUTIES:  

• Provide individualized and collaborative coaching support to teachers across content areas focused on effective instructional practices and student engagement. 


• Observe classroom instruction and provide timely, actionable feedback aligned to district instructional expectations and evidence-based teaching practices. 


• Model instructional strategies, co-plan lessons, and support implementation of district-adopted curriculum and instructional resources. 


• Support teachers in applying instructional strategies and disciplinary literacy practices within their content areas. 


• Assist teachers and teams in the effective use of formative and summative assessment practices to inform instruction. 


• Facilitate collaborative planning, data analysis, and reflective practice using district-approved protocols. 


• Analyze and interpret local and state assessment data with teachers and school leadership to identify instructional strengths and needs. 


• Plan and deliver job-embedded professional learning aligned to district priorities and the Maryland Professional Development Standards. 


• Collaborate with other instructional coaches to ensure instructional coherence and alignment. 


• Serve on school-based and district-level instructional committees or task forces as assigned. 


• Attend and actively participate in assigned state-level content meetings and professional learning opportunities to maintain a strong understanding of Maryland College and Career Ready Standards and assessment expectations and apply this knowledge to support effective instructional coaching.


• Maintain documentation of coaching activities, professional learning, and instructional support provided. 


• Perform other duties related to instructional coaching as assigned by the Director of Secondary Schools, the Principal or Coordinator of Educator Growth & Development. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Hold a valid Maryland Advanced Professional License in any secondary content area.


• Possess a Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education or hold an active National Board Certification, preferred.


• Have a minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience at the secondary level.


• Demonstrate deep knowledge of effective instructional practices, including disciplinary literacy and content-specific numeracy, with the ability to support high-quality instruction across multiple content areas.


• Demonstrate skill in coaching adults, including observation, feedback, modeling, and facilitation.


• Knowledge of Dorchester County Public Schools curriculum, techniques for integrating curriculum, Dorchester County Public Schools policies, and effective instructional practices.


• Demonstrate strong data analysis skills to support instructional decision-making.


• Possess strong communication, collaboration, and facilitation skills.


• Be proficient with instructional technology and digital learning tools.

 

Please Note:

• Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. Internal candidates will be considered alongside external applicants, and only those whose qualifications most closely match the needs of the position will be contacted for an interview.