Social Studies Coaching Coordinator

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

A Career in IPS Offers…

Purpose and Impact:

• Essential Contributions: In every non-teaching and non-leadership role, your work directly supports the success of IPS students and schools. Whether you’re maintaining facilities, providing student services, or managing administrative operations, you play a key part in ensuring an equitable and high-quality educational environment.
• Belonging and Community: IPS is a place where every employee is valued. You’ll join a supportive community that promotes respect, teamwork, and a shared commitment to serving students and families.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Training and Development Opportunities: IPS offers a variety of training programs to help staff build new skills and grow professionally. This includes access to development opportunities for administrative, technical, and operational roles, as well as pathways to becoming a certified teacher.
• Skill Enhancement: Whether you’re new to your role or seeking to deepen your expertise, IPS provides resources and support for continuous improvement.

Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits:

• Fair Compensation: IPS ensures competitive wages and regularly reviews pay structures to maintain equity.
• Extensive Benefits Package: Employees enjoy comprehensive health coverage, dental and vision plans, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement plans. Additional financial benefits include flexible spending accounts and eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being:

• Generous Leave Policies: IPS offers vacation, personal, and sick leave, along with paid holidays. Twelve-month employees benefit from floating holidays, and unused personal leave rolls into the sick leave balance.
• Wellness Programs: IPS prioritizes staff well-being with access to wellness initiatives, including health screenings and an employee assistance program for confidential support and counseling.

What We Expect:

• Professionalism and Reliability: Every role at IPS is vital to the district’s success. We expect staff to demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and a commitment to providing excellent service to students, educators, and families.
• Collaboration and Communication: IPS values teamwork. Working collaboratively with your colleagues ensures a supportive environment for all. Clear communication and mutual respect are key to maintaining this culture.
• Flexibility and Problem-Solving: As a large, dynamic district, IPS needs staff who are adaptable and proactive in solving problems to meet the ever-changing needs of students and schools.

JOIN US!

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible – in your career and in your school. If you’re ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY:

The Social Studies Coach Coordinator will provide instructional coaching and support for teachers, instructional leaders, and school teams to strengthen Social Studies instruction across K-12 classrooms. This role will focus on building educator capacity through professional learning, collaborative planning, classroom observation and feedback, and data-driven instructional strategies.

As a key member of the district’s instructional leadership team, the Social Studies Coach Coordinator will ensure that Social Studies instruction aligns with state standards, district priorities, and best practices in education.

This is a full-time, 12-month position reporting to the Senior Coordinator of Coaching & Instructional Supports.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Instructional Coaching and Support

• Provide coaching and professional development to Social Studies teachers and instructional leaders through classroom observations, model lessons, and feedback sessions.
• Support educators in implementing best practices for inquiry-based and culturally responsive Social Studies instruction.
• Guide the development and implementation of standards-aligned curriculum maps, pacing guides, and assessments.
• Conduct non-evaluative instructional walkthroughs to assess instructional practices and inform ongoing coaching and support.

Teacher and Leader Development

• Facilitate professional learning communities (PLCs) focused on Social Studies pedagogy, curriculum implementation, and assessment strategies.
• Assist teachers and school leaders in analyzing student data to drive instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.
• Support building leaders in navigating district-adopted curricular resources and digital learning platforms.
• Attend and support district-wide professional development sessions, workshops, and instructional leadership meetings.

Collaboration and Strategic Planning

• Partner with school leadership teams to develop targeted instructional improvement plans for Social Studies.
• Collaborate with district departments to ensure Social Studies instruction aligns with interdisciplinary initiatives and district-wide strategic goals.
• Serve as a liaison between schools and the Senior Coordinator of Coaching and Instructional Supports to identify instructional needs and best practices.
• Contribute to the district’s Rebuilding Stronger plan by aligning Social Studies instruction with equity-focused educational initiatives.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Carry out additional responsibilities as designated by the Senior Coordinator of Coaching and Instructional Supports to support district-wide instructional goals.

WHAT YOU’ll BRING: SKILLS AND MINDSETS:

Skills and Mindsets

• Strong knowledge of Social Studies content and instructional best practices.
• Ability to provide effective coaching and professional development for teachers and school leaders.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to foster strong relationships with educators, students, and stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities, with strong attention to detail.
• Analytical problem-solving skills to assess instructional effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• A deep commitment to equity and a belief that all students can learn and succeed.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Certification, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, history, political science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of successful classroom teaching experience in Social Studies.
• Experience as an instructional coach, department chair, or professional development facilitator preferred.
• Familiarity with Indiana Academic Standards and curriculum development.
• Experience in planning and facilitating professional development sessions for educators.
• Strong knowledge of instructional technology and digital learning tools.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:

Supervisor Discretion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

EEOC STATEMENT:

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.