About this role
Rutherford County Schools Position Title: Middle School Instructional Coach Licensure Area: Current North Carolina Teaching License Required (Middle Grades or appropriate content area preferred) Reports To: Director of Middle Grades Education Position Purpose The Middle School Instructional Coach serves as a collaborative instructional leader who supports teachers in implementing research-based instructional practices that improve student achievement. The coach works alongside administrators, teachers, and district staff to strengthen curriculum implementation, instructional planning, assessment practices, intervention strategies, and professional learning. This position is non-evaluative and focuses on building teacher capacity through coaching, modeling, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Instructional Leadership
• Provide job-embedded coaching to teachers through planning, modeling, observation, feedback, and reflective conversations.
• Support the implementation of North Carolina Standard Course of Study, district curriculum, and instructional initiatives.
• Assist teachers in developing rigorous, engaging, and differentiated lessons that promote student achievement.
• Model effective instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and student engagement practices.
• Support teachers in implementing evidence-based literacy, mathematics, and content-area instructional practices.
• Collaborate with administrators to identify instructional priorities aligned to School Improvement Plans.
Professional Learning
• Design, facilitate, and evaluate professional development aligned to district and school goals.
• Support Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) by facilitating collaborative planning, data analysis, and instructional decision-making.
• Mentor beginning teachers and provide ongoing instructional support to all certified staff.
• Promote reflective practice through coaching cycles and continuous feedback.
Data Analysis
• Assist teachers in analyzing formative, benchmark, and state assessment data.
• Support teachers in using data to identify student needs and adjust instruction.
• Collaborate with school leadership teams to monitor instructional effectiveness and student progress.
• Assist with developing intervention and enrichment plans based on student performance data.
Curriculum and Instruction
• Support vertical and horizontal curriculum alignment across grade levels and content areas.
• Assist teachers with curriculum mapping and instructional resource development.
• Promote the effective integration of instructional technology into classroom instruction.
• Maintain current knowledge of state standards, instructional best practices, and educational research.
Collaboration
• Foster positive relationships among teachers, administrators, students, families, and community partners.
• Participate in district instructional meetings and professional learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with Exceptional Children, English Learner, MTSS, and student support personnel to improve instructional outcomes.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all coaching interactions.
Additional Responsibilities
• Prepare reports and documentation as requested.
• Assist with school improvement initiatives and district instructional projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or Superintendent.
Minimum Qualifications
• Valid North Carolina Professional Educator License.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience preferred.
• Demonstrated record of effective instructional practices and student achievement.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment practices, and MTSS.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze instructional data and provide meaningful coaching feedback.
• Proficiency with educational technology and digital instructional tools.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master's Degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• Previous experience serving as a mentor teacher, department chair, PLC facilitator, instructional coach, or teacher leader.
• Experience facilitating adult learning and professional development.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to move throughout school buildings and classrooms.
• Ability to lift instructional materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to operate standard office and instructional technology equipment.
• Ability to perform duties requiring standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and speaking for extended periods.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong understanding of middle grades instructional practices.
• Knowledge of North Carolina educational standards and accountability measures.
• Ability to build trusting, collaborative relationships with teachers and administrators.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.