General Description:
The Elementary Science Instructional Support Teacher provides school-based leadership to advance elementary science instruction at assigned school(s). The science instructional support teacher supports elementary schools by building teacher capacity and understanding of science curriculum and instructional practices aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning. The science instructional support teacher is responsible for ensuring high-quality instruction in K-5 classrooms with an emphasis on grades 4 and 5 through modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, and providing non-evaluative feedback to teachers.  This role supports teachers and administrators through professional development, instructional support, and providing appropriately aligned resources to foster student academic success. This is not a supervisory position and does not include evaluation of colleagues. This position is a 9.5-month teacher contract.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the Science Coach include, but are not limited to:

• Provides support to teachers during the lesson planning process to ensure alignment to the Virginia Science Standards of Learning
• Works with teachers to ensure they are equipped with appropriate materials and competencies necessary for effective science instruction
• Reviews lesson plans and provides non-evaluative feedback to ensure alignment to the Virginia Science Standards of Learning
• Observes science lessons and provides non-evaluative feedback to teachers to support Tier 1 science instruction
• Models specific parts of science lessons to support Tier 1 instruction as warranted
• Co-teaches science lessons to support Tier 1 instruction as needed
• Engages in instructional support cycles to support Tier 1 instruction as warranted
• Facilitates teachers’ use of high-impact, evidence-based instructional strategies, including differentiated instruction for diverse learners
• Provides guidance on the completion of Science Performance Based Assessments and any other applicable formative and summative assessments to administrators and teachers
• Analyzes science assessment data to identify science topics in need of Tier 2 and Tier 3 support
• Utilizes assessment data, in collaboration with the leadership team, to identify students in need of Tier 2 and/or Tier 3 support or remediation
• Using data, collaborates with classroom teachers to plan for and facilitate small group review and/or remediation for science
• Provides direct support to small groups of students as warranted
• Assists with the management of the school’s science hands-on investigation materials, books, and other resources to include inventorying, distribution, and monitoring together with the school’s Administrators, Textbook Manager, Science Lead, and Grade-Level Chairs
• Supports the school’s instructional leadership team in the development, monitoring, and completion of the school’s Continuous School Improvement Plan
• Provides Professional Learning to the school’s administrators and teachers of science including, but not limited to, alignment, student-centered learning (5E Model), student discourse, Performance Based Assessment, writing across the curriculum, and science education at least once monthly
• Works with the division’s Instructional Specialist for Elementary Science K-5 to carry out the division’s goals for Elementary Science
• Maintains a working knowledge of the Division’s Environmental Literacy Plan (ELP) and serves as a resource in order to carry out ELP initiatives
• Works collaboratively with the school’s administrators, science lead, and grade-level chairs to maintain and enhance existing  community partnerships
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Professional Teaching License with an endorsement in Elementary Education (K-5)
• 3 years of successful teaching experience, with a minimum of 1 year of leadership experience at the appropriate grade span
• Experience working in diverse settings
• Must be able to provide school level leadership in regards to curriculum, pacing, and resources to support classroom instruction with a deep understanding of the progression of the Essential Knowledge and Practices of education as defined in the Virginia Standards of Learning
• Experience analyzing data at the student, class, and school levels and be able to help teachers use this data to tailor instruction and ultimately increase academic performance
• Be knowledgeable of innovative science teaching techniques, science instructional materials, and current trends and research in the area of science

General Definition and Condition of Work

Work requires frequent standing, sitting, walking, light lifting up to 10 lbs, vocal communication for expressing or exchanging ideas, hearing to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and visual acuity for preparing and analyzing written or computer data.

 HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an on-line application. Please access website at: www.rvaschools.net

Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume, transcript and license if applicable.  Three references names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process.  Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment. EOE.

START DATE: Based on School Board approval