Education Coach

Position Summary/Objective

The goal of this position is to support continuous professional growth among education staff, improve classroom quality, and enhance child outcomes. As part of the education team, under the general direction of the Education Coordinators, the Coach will work with the Education Staff to enhance the professional development of staff through individualized training and coaching. The Education Coach will play a vital role in training new and existing employees, ensuring they understand and implement best practices in early childhood education, providing coaching to improve staff performance, and modeling high-quality educational experiences for young children.

Must demonstrate strong mentorship skills to support staff growth, identify areas for improvement, and develop tailored training solutions. Must be able to identify areas where staff are deficient and build trainings to amend the identified deficiencies. Must demonstrate compassion in supporting staff through challenges and offer constructive solutions.

Our Culture

Since 1964, UETHDA has been all about Helping People. Changing Lives. We're passionate about making a difference in our community through education, support, and collaboration. If you believe in empowering others and fostering growth, you’ll feel right at home here!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Coaching & Staff Support

• Provide individualized coaching to teaching staff using research-based strategies and model best practices in early childhood education.
• Develop coaching plans with clear goals tailored to each staff member’s needs, based on assessments, CLASS data, and input from supervisory staff.
• Use the Agency’s Intensive Coaching tool to conduct focused classroom observations and provide reflective, constructive feedback.
• Foster a growth mindset among staff by encouraging ongoing learning, self-reflection, and improvement in teaching practices.
• Support implementation of performance improvement plans when needed to meet quality standards.

Training & Professional Development

• Train and mentor new teaching staff, offering ongoing support as they acclimate to their roles.
• Help identify and deliver professional development opportunities based on individual, team, and program-wide data.
• Create and maintain training materials, presentations, and resources that align with the curriculum and educational goals.

Observation & Data-Driven Planning

• Develop and maintain a schedule for classroom observations and feedback sessions to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Monitor and track the implementation of coaching strategies, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and timely follow-up.
• Stay current with best practices in early childhood education and integrate new approaches to improve staff performance and child outcomes.

Standards Alignment & Collaboration

• Align coaching and training strategies with:
  • Head Start Program Performance Standards
  • The Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework
  • Agency’s School Readiness Goals
  • Department of Human Services Licensing Requirements
  • Department of Education regulations
• Maintain ongoing communication with Coaches, Education Coordinators, the Education Manager, and other relevant staff.

Professionalism & Additional Duties

• Demonstrate professional work habits consistent with agency policies and procedures.
• Complete special assignments as directed by the Education Coordinator, Education Manager, or Head Start Director.

Competencies

• Teamwork Orientation
• Communication Proficiency
• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Client Focus
• Decision Making
• Technical Capacity
• Coaching/Developing Others

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, and kneel. The employee must occasionally lift a child weighing up to 50 pounds. Vision and hearing must be in normal range.

Benefits Package

Vacation:

• 1 day of Vacation accrued per month worked

Holidays:

• 14 Paid Holidays

Healthcare/Personal Benefits:

• 1 Day of Healthcare/Personal accrued per month worked

Additional Benefits:

• Healthcare through the State of Tennessee. UETHDA pays 100% of the monthly premium for the Employee Only (estimated cost paid by UETHDA for the employee is over $600 per month ($7,200 annually). Additional insurance coverage is available but cost difference will be paid by the employee.
• Dental, Vision, Short-Term, Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance options are offered at 100% cost to the employee.
• Group Term Life Insurance for employee paid by UETHDA at 100% for coverage of 1.5 time the yearly wages
• Retirement Plan-Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS). Eligible employees are required to contribute 5% of yearly wages (pre-tax basis to the defined TCRS plan). UETHDA contributes an amortized amount as determined by TCRS. Employees are vested upon 5 years of eligible service.
• Additional 401(K) and 457 Savings Plan also available without employer match.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position and is paid hourly. Typically, this position will work 37.5 hours per week. Working days are Monday through Friday with varying day shift hours depending on location.

Travel

Travel is primarily locally during the business day, although some out of the area travel and overnight may be expected.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
• 2 years preschool teaching experience (Head Start preferred).
• CLASS certification within 6 months.
• Practice Based Coaching (PBC) experience a plus.
• Strong knowledge of Head Start standards, child development, and classroom management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proven effective classroom management strategies.
• Technical Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with ChildPlus (preferred), and Virtual Tools (Teams).

EOE Statement

UETHDA hires high quality staff from a variety of fields and education levels who have a passion for changing the lives of others. UETHDA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Salary is based 100% on Education.

BS Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development $22.20

MS Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development $23.40