Pennwood Cyber Charter School - Instructional Coach

<h3><strong>About Pennwood Cyber Charter School</strong></h3> <p>Pennwood Cyber Charter School is a tuition-free, K–12 public cyber school serving students across Pennsylvania. As part of Connections Academy’s trusted network of online schools, Pennwood offers flexible virtual learning with a proven curriculum and a unique three-week Connections Term that extends the school year to 195 instructional days with a focus on career readiness and student success.</p> <p>Pennwood staff members participate in a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement contributions through a 403(b) plan with a 5% match (in place of PSERS). </p> <h3><strong>Position Summary</strong></h3> <p>The Instructional Coach supports continuous improvement in teaching and learning by partnering with educators to strengthen instructional practice and student outcomes. Working within a virtual cyber charter school environment, the Instructional Coach provides job-embedded coaching, professional learning, and data-informed support aligned to <strong>Pennsylvania Core Standards</strong>, PDE guidance, and school instructional priorities.</p> <p>This role is <strong>non-evaluative</strong>, collaborative, and focused on capacity-building to improve instructional quality and consistency across virtual classrooms.</p> <h3><strong>Essential Duties & Responsibilities</strong><strong></strong></h3> <h4>Instructional Coaching & Professional Practice</h4> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Provide job-embedded instructional coaching to teachers through observation, feedback, modeling, co-planning, and reflective practice.</li> <li aria-level="1">Support teachers in designing and delivering high-quality, standards-aligned instruction in a virtual environment.</li> <li aria-level="1">Model effective virtual instructional strategies, including engagement, differentiation, formative assessment, and the use of instructional technology.</li> <li aria-level="1">Partner with school leadership to support consistent implementation of curriculum, instructional frameworks, and best practices.</li> </ul> <h4>Data-Driven Instruction & Continuous Improvement</h4> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Support teachers in analyzing student data (benchmark assessments, formative data, PSSA/Keystone indicators) to inform instructional planning.</li> <li aria-level="1">Facilitate data conversations focused on instructional improvement and student growth.</li> <li aria-level="1">Assist in identifying instructional trends, strengths, and areas for targeted support across grade levels or content areas.</li> </ul> <h4>MTSS & Student Support Alignment</h4> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Collaborate with MTSS teams to support Tier 1 instructional practices that strengthen core instruction.</li> <li aria-level="1">Support alignment between core instruction and intervention practices (without serving as the primary intervention provider).</li> <li aria-level="1">Work collaboratively with special education staff, interventionists, and administrators to ensure instructional coherence for diverse learners.</li> </ul> <h4>Professional Learning & Capacity Building</h4> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Design and facilitate professional learning experiences aligned to school priorities, PDE initiatives, and instructional needs.</li> <li aria-level="1">Support onboarding and induction of new teachers, including virtual instructional expectations and instructional systems.</li> <li aria-level="1">Share research-based practices and resources to strengthen instructional effectiveness across the school.</li> </ul> <h4>Compliance & Documentation</h4> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Ensure instructional support aligns with <strong>Pennsylvania Department of Education</strong> requirements, including Chapter 4 academic standards and Chapter 49 educator preparation expectations as applicable.</li> <li aria-level="1">Maintain documentation of coaching activities, professional learning participation, and support provided.</li> <li aria-level="1">Adhere to all school policies related to confidentiality, professional conduct, and virtual work expectations.</li> </ul> <h4>Collaboration & Communication</h4> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Communicate regularly with teachers, school leaders, and instructional teams regarding goals, progress, and instructional supports.</li> <li aria-level="1">Participate in instructional leadership meetings and school improvement planning as assigned.</li> <li aria-level="1">Foster a culture of trust, reflection, and continuous improvement.<br><br></li> </ul> <h3><strong>Qualifications</strong></h3> <h4>Education & Certification</h4> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field preferred.</li> <li aria-level="1"><strong>Valid Pennsylvania Instructional Certificate</strong> required (content-area appropriate).</li> <li aria-level="1">Instructional II certification preferred.</li> </ul> <h4>Experience</h4> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Successful K–12 teaching experience with demonstrated effectiveness in student achievement.</li> <li aria-level="1">Experience supporting adult learners through coaching, mentoring, or professional development.</li> <li aria-level="1">Experience in a virtual, blended, or technology-supported instructional environment preferred.</li> </ul> <h4>Knowledge, Skills & Abilities</h4> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Strong understanding of Pennsylvania Core Standards and effective instructional practices.</li> <li aria-level="1">Ability to coach adults using collaborative, non-evaluative approaches.</li> <li aria-level="1">Proficiency with LMS platforms, virtual instructional tools, and data systems.</li> <li aria-level="1">Strong organizational, facilitation, and communication skills.</li> <li aria-level="1">Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt support based on teacher and school needs.</li> </ul> <h4>Performance Outcomes</h4> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Improved instructional quality and consistency across virtual classrooms.</li> <li aria-level="1">Increased teacher confidence and capacity in delivering effective virtual instruction.</li> <li aria-level="1">Evidence of data-informed instructional planning and student growth.</li> <li aria-level="1">Positive feedback from teachers regarding coaching support and professional learning.</li> </ul>

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