Lower School Math Coach & Instructional Support Specialist (rev.01232025)

Position Description and Qualifications

Job Posting Summary: 

The Math Coach and Instructional Support Specialist serves as a member of the Lower School Leadership Team and is responsible for promoting and nurturing the education of students by supporting the faculty, primarily in regards to math efforts, as we ensure that all students are learning in accordance with the mission and values of the school.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Abides by Ensworth’s Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct
• Commits to the ideals expressed in Ensworth’s Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
• Works on campus from 7:30 AM until 3:30 PM
• Collaborates with the Lower School leadership team and Middle School Math Department chairs to ensure consistency of the K-5 math program and best practices in our approach.
• Plans and leads professional development opportunities for the math team, focusing on innovative strategies, assessment practices, and instructional methodologies.
• Partners with all Lower School math teachers to ensure systematic instruction, horizontal  and vertical alignment (K-5), and the creation of lesson materials that align with the overall math philosophy and curriculum.
• Collaborates with classroom teachers and other members of the Instructional Support team to support classroom learning and promote student success.
• Provides individualized coaching and mentoring to teachers to enhance their instructional practices and implement effective math strategies.
• Models best practices in math instruction by co-teaching lessons, facilitating small groups, and providing classroom demonstrations.
• Assists with the coordination and implementation of differentiated groups to address fact fluency, foundational skills remediation, and extension of advanced concepts in grades K-5; when necessary, leads small differentiated groups.
• Supports the administration and analysis of benchmark assessments, offering organizational and technical assistance for data collection, scoring, and reporting.
• Collaborates with the Lower School Support team and math teachers to gather, analyze, and interpret assessment data to inform instructional planning.
• Facilitates and leads data response meetings with faculty to address individual student needs.
• Oversees and supports all aspects of the math curriculum, including team weekly planning sessions, resource preparation, and curriculum implementation through modeling and providing small group support.
• Provides expertise in integrating technology into math instruction to enhance engagement and learning, including the implementation of online math tools like ALEKS and Reflex.
• Fosters a culture of inquiry, problem-solving, and a growth mindset in math for students, teachers, and the broader school community.
• Designs and delivers workshops and resources for parents to support math learning at home, enhancing the school-to-home connection.
• Stays updated on current research and trends in math education, sharing relevant insights with staff to continuously improve teaching and learning practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Head of Lower School to support the goals of the Instructional Support role and the Lower School Division.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Education – Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
• Prior teaching experience at the lower elementary level
• Familiarity with Singapore Math (Think Mathematics) and Responsive Classroom preferred
• Basic/Intermediate understanding and ability to use computers and technology including Google Suite, basic office equipment, projectors, mechanical equipment, etc.
• Well-developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school environment, including students, co-workers, parents, alumnae, volunteers, and the public.
• Adaptability, honesty, self-reliance, teamwork, dependability, flexibility, willingness to listen and learn, work ethic, determination, persistence, problem-solving skills, loyalty, and congeniality are essential.
• Must successfully complete background screening and verification
• Continued Education Programs - Periodically participate in different training sessions identified by you, the employee and/or Divisional Leadership with the goal of keeping our teachers and staff up to date with current teaching methods, practices and any new knowledge in their respective field. Depending on the program, such training may need to take place outside of normal working hours and/or in the summer months.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Regularly works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate. Frequently works outdoors in varying weather conditions and climate.
• Regularly uses close and distance vision. Works at a computer screen for periods of time. Ability to observe students from various distances.
• Frequently required to move around the classroom, work at a desk for extended periods of time, Frequently positions oneself to work with small children on the floor, frequently moves around campus
• Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 30/50 lbs. across the classroom/office 
• Sometimes works in a stressful environment, effectively dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts. Stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions.
• Ability to periodically work flexible hours to support before and after-school or weekend events 
• Ensworth requires employees to be physically present on campus, with limited exceptions that are at the sole discretion of the School. Under extraordinary circumstances, some or all of the workforce may be required to move to a remote working environment. Additionally, certain individuals may also be approved for limited remote work, based on the nature of the job description, specific circumstances, and only with written prior approval by a direct supervisor.

Application Requirements:

Qualified candidates should complete an online application for employment and attach a cover letter, résumé, statement of philosophy, and/or copies of college transcripts. Contact masonerk@ensworth.com with any questions.

About Ensworth School: 

Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.

Located on two campuses in Nashville, Tennessee, Ensworth enrolls approximately 1,200 students and serves families in more than 50 zip codes. Ensworth is recognized among the leading independent schools in the nation. The school’s challenging academic program is embedded in a culture of support and encouragement and reflects a commitment to the core skills of observation, collaboration, communication, analysis, questioning, evaluation, and most importantly, the application of knowledge. Graduates have the adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness necessary for success in the 21st century and are not only prepared to meet the demands of the future but are also imbued with a sense of purpose and service to others.

Ensworth School is an extraordinary place to work and seeks employees who are passionate about learning and motivated by the opportunity to awaken that passion in students.

It is Ensworth's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law. It is the intent and resolve of Ensworth to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, evaluation, promotion, disciplinary action, termination, compensation and training. Employment decisions at Ensworth will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities.