The Instructional Coach plays a critical role in developing early-stage educators through high-quality, equity-centered coaching. Instructional Coaches support a caseload of fellows within a multi-year clinical model by designing and facilitating coaching cycles that include goal-setting, observation, feedback, and reflection. Coaches translate theory into practice and support fellows in building the instructional knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed to drive student learning. This role also contributes to City Teaching Alliance’s broader impact through professional learning, partnerships, and external engagement. This role reports directly to the Director of Clinical Placement and the regional Executive Director. The Director of Professional Development, Coaching, Coursework, and Community will provide guidance and support at the national level.
Manage a caseload of up to 24 fellows across the coaching cycle, providing consistent coaching, feedback, and support (Part-time instructional coaches manage a caseload of up to 12 fellows)
Plan coaching in alignment with CTA’s scope and sequence, Accountable Teaching Practices (ATPs), and Teacher Practice Rubric (TPR)
Ensure coherence between coaching, coursework, and partner-site priorities so fellows experience a connected and reinforced learning arc
Examine instructional standards, school-based curriculum, and instructional materials prior to coaching sessions
Use prior data, goals, and feedback to inform planning for coaching sessions
Facilitate structured coaching cycles including goal-setting, co-planning, observation, feedback, and reflection
Differentiate coaching based on fellows’ developmental stage, data, and individual needs
Use feedback to build reflective practice, shift thinking, strengthen decision-making, and develop independence
Collect and analyze multiple sources of evidence to identify instructional priorities (i.e., observations, student data, fellow reflections, partner input)
Document all coaching activities in accordance with CTA timelines and requirements
Utilize the Urban Assembly technology platform to review and analyze teacher practice
Utilize SchoolMint Grow to provide timely, specific, evidence-based written feedback aligned to instructional goals
Identify instructional priorities based on patterns and trends
Establish and Maintain Culturally Responsive and Trust-Based Coaching Climate
Establish psychologically safe, identity-affirming coaching environments
Communicate consistently, clearly, and professionally with fellows and partners
Follow through on commitments and maintain reliable coaching structures
Collaborate with mentor teachers and school leaders to support fellow success
Apply asset-based, culturally responsive, and anti-racist coaching practices
Interrupt deficit-based narratives and maintain high expectations for all fellows
Reflect on personal identity and bias to inform coaching decisions
Incorporate research, data, and best practices to design professional learning aligned to CTA priorities and fellow needs
Facilitate professional development for fellows, including regional professional learning days
Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen program coherence and fellow experience
Serve as a professional representative of CTA’s mission, coaching model, and values in all interactions
Support the design and/or facilitation of professional learning for external partners
Contribute to CTA’s visibility, credibility, and impact as a coaching organization
Contribute to Service, Systems, and Organizational Priorities
Participate in regional hiring processes for instructional coaches
Contribute to the regional onboarding and development of new coaches
Contribute to CTA workgroups, committees, and organizational initiatives
Contribute to coaching calibration, team learning, and program improvement
Engage in ongoing professional learning to strengthen coaching and instructional expertise
Reflect regularly on coaching impact and seek feedback to improve effectiveness
Demonstrate adaptability, humility, and a commitment to growth
Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement of the coaching model
Engage actively in CTA professional learning spaces and organizational initiatives
Execute coaching cycles consistently and in alignment with CTA timelines and scope and sequence
Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation in approved instructional coaching technology platforms for all coaching activities in alignment with CTA expectations
Meet all deadlines related to coaching cycles, documentation, and program expectations
Communicate consistently and responsively with fellows, including timely follow-up on coaching, feedback, and scheduling next steps
Attend and actively participate in regional site team meetings
Attend and actively participate in monthly faculty and all-staff meetings
Attend and actively participate in bi-monthly goal meetings and come prepared with required materials
Demonstrate reliability, organization, and strong professional judgment in all aspects of the role
Location: In-person in Washington, D.C. Hybrid work available, but must be based in the designated region.
Time Commitment & Compensation: Full-time role. $75,000-$77,393. We do not negotiate salaries.
Our mission is to improve educational and life outcomes of children in urban schools by preparing culturally competent, effective career teachers who accelerate student achievement and disrupt systems of racial and socioeconomic inequity. City Teaching Alliance accomplishes this by recruiting outstanding candidates, equipping them with state-of-the-art training, and linking their certification to their demonstration of effective teaching practices and skills. Our residents and teachers will provide the necessary proof points to make a national case for educator effectiveness and accountability.