Instructional Coach - Rhodes Junior High School 2025-2026

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.
  

Job Summary:

The Instructional Coach is a critical lever in improving student achievement. The role of the coach is to build teacher capacity, and their understanding of instructional practices as related to standards, PBIS, Social Emotional Learning and evidenced based instruction. An instructional coach is a learner who models continuous improvement, lifelong learning, and goes above and beyond to ensure student success. All instructional coaches work collaboratively as a team with members of the Special Education Department and Teaching and Learning. Instructional coaches will promote reflection, provide guidance and structure when need, and focus on strengths, collaboration and common issues of concern. They are responsible for supporting teachers in developing specialized instruction in classrooms through modeling, co-planning, co-teaching and providing feedback to teachers.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Model lessons in classrooms on a daily/weekly basis
• Support the instructional development of all teachers in understanding the standards, common core connectors, varied assessments, IEP compliance, and data analysis
• Build strong relationships with teachers, administrators, and other coaches
• Provide direction and coordination for how the curriculum is taught consistent with District initiatives and recognized evidence-based practices
• Create an articulated schedule with building administration
• Provide technical support to collaborative learning teams within buildings
• Assist teachers with resources, materials, tools, information, etc. to support classroom instruction and planning, including new resources
• Support teachers and administrators in using data to improve instruction on all levels
• Assist teachers with planning and pacing of lessons, the development of differentiated lessons, and the selection of strategies and interventions to meet the needs of their students
• Informally observe (non-evaluative) lessons and provide feedback for a teacher’s professional growth and students’ success
• Develop staff members’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors through a variety of
  professional development targeted topics and designs
• Develop coaching plans for teachers to ensure student improvement
  Utilize Adult Learning Theory to motivate adult learners to improve professional practice
• Contribute to the development systems and structures to improve teacher practice within schools
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Special education or related field
• Master’s degree (Preferred) in education, special education, curriculum design, or related field
• Arizona teaching certificate

Experience:

• 3-5 years teaching experience
• Experience working with site-based teams
• Experience working with diverse disabilities, IEP development, and classroom accommodations/modifications is critical
• Experience mentoring other teachers, leading professional development sessions, or serving as a team lead

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Knowledge and understanding of effective strategies for instructing diverse learners
• Knowledge and understanding of effective instructional strategies, research-based best practices, a variety of assessment methods, and effective coaching practices
• Knowledge and skills in areas such as mentoring; classroom management; alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; peer coaching
• Knowledge of national, state, and district standards and trends concerning instructional methods, resources, and strategies
• Evidence proficiency with technology including presentation equipment, word processing and desktop publishing; and a willingness to use technology innovatively
• Expertise in working with colleagues in areas of professional development, learning teams, new teacher support and/or instructional planning
• Possess a strong commitment to continuous improvement supporting the MPS mission and strategic plan
• Effective communication, planning, organization, presentation, and leadership skills; ability to work with and motivate others
• Ability to plan and present information/training for the adult learner
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently without constant supervision and under stressful timelines
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students and community
• Ability to perform moderate physical tasks (e.g., lifting 50 pounds of books)

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting.

• Works primarily in a school setting
• Spends time in classrooms, observing lessons, and modeling teaching techniques
• Uses office or shared workspace for planning, data analysis, and meeting with teachers or administrators
• May work beyond typical school hours to accommodate meetings, professional development sessions, or teacher support
• May require travel between schools or district offices
• Frequent movement throughout the school, including walking between classrooms, navigating stairs, or visiting playgrounds
• Prolonged periods of standing during classroom observations, modeling lessons, or facilitating workshops
• Occasionally lifts or moves materials (typically under 25 lbs), such as educational tools, student files, or presentation equipment

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.