Academic Apprentice Coach - Wardlaw School

Atlanta Speech School • Atlanta, GA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Apprentice Coach supports excellence in instruction by mentoring teachers and promoting research-based practices for students with dyslexia and associated learning differences. This role is responsible for instructional coaching and direct teaching responsibilities, in that the Apprentice Coach is required to teach one reading group, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining small, highly differentiated groups. Working collaboratively with teachers, the Wardlaw Director, and other staff, the Academic Apprentice Coach is primarily focused on building teachers’ capacity to strengthen reading and math instruction aligned with the Wardlaw School’s integrated instructional model. The Academic Apprentice Coach partners with teachers through the execution of coaching cycles, direct classroom support, and training in best practices and curriculum through continuous professional development. The Wardlaw approach to coaching is learner-centered, with coaching conversations and decision-making guided by student learning rather than teacher performance. Instead of focusing on “fixing” teachers, learner-centered coaching uses relevant data to guide coaching practices, inform instructional decisions, and ensure fidelity to the science for students with language-based learning disabilities.

Requirements

• Model effective teaching strategies and instructional techniques.
• Communicate feedback in a timely, constructive, and supportive manner.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, families, and leadership.
• Balance coaching and teaching responsibilities with strong time-management skills.
• Strong foundation in dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities.
• Certification in at least one multisensory, research-based method of reading instruction and familiarity with others.
• Training in the Multisensory Math approach.
• Understanding of the integrated instructional model used at the Wardlaw School.
• Deep understanding of scientifically based reading research, including assessment and instructional practices.
• Expertise in classroom teaching, instructional planning, and classroom management.
• Evidence of continued professional growth throughout the candidate’s career.
• Effective verbal and written communication with colleagues and parents regarding children’s learning profiles, including strengths, areas of need, and progress toward goals.
• Ability to analyze student learning profiles to develop intervention plans and make appropriate recommendations to parents.
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience teaching elementary students (K–5), preferably in dyslexia-focused or language-based settings and across multiple grade levels.
• Strong knowledge of structured literacy and math instruction for diverse learners.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in education or related field strongly preferred
• Experience and professional development in instructional coaching, teacher mentorship, or leading instructional practice preferred.

Responsibilities

• Instructional Coaching and Teacher Apprenticing Coordinate and implement the Wardlaw Training and Apprenticing Program for new teachers, ensuring they feel welcomed, supported, and set up for success.
• Foster productive and collaborative relationships with teachers by clarifying expectations and building a shared understanding of the coaching process.
• Assess each teacher’s instructional background and strengths and then partner with them to establish individualized, meaningful coaching goals.
• Visit classrooms regularly to observe instruction and provide supportive, timely, and constructive feedback.
• Work alongside teachers in K-6 classrooms, providing real-time instructional support.
• Co-plan and co-teach lessons when helpful to strengthen instructional delivery and student engagement.
• Facilitate at least one full coaching cycle per teacher each academic year, including goal setting, observation, feedback, and reflection.
• Serve as a mentor and guide while maintaining a non-evaluative, growth-oriented role in the teacher supervision process.
• Professional Development and Instructional Support Model effective, engaging teaching strategies and provide training in instructional programs and methods as needed.
• Support teachers in implementing research-based instructional practices for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
• Assist Lower School teachers in planning and implementing reading and math curricula aligned with current research and best practices in language-based learning disabilities.
• Promote multisensory instructional approaches and differentiated instruction to support diverse learners.
• Complete Cox Campus Courses- Coaching to Build Language and Literacy PK-5, PK-5 Structured Literacy, Dyslexia, and others recommended by leadership for ongoing training.
• Direct Instruction This role includes instructional coaching and direct teaching, requiring the Apprentice Coach to lead one reading group to ensure the coach maintains strong techniques and adheres to structured literacy best practices.
• Provide high-quality reading instruction aligned with structured literacy Program Support Support the Director in reviewing and editing student reports.
• Collaborate with teachers to analyze student learning profiles and guide instructional planning.
• Contribute to a professional culture rooted in collaboration, reflective practice, and continuous instructional improvement.
• Communicate patterns, needs, and successes observed across classrooms to strengthen schoolwide practice.
• Help ensure alignment across grade levels and content areas to support program goals and instructional consistency.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of Wardlaw school events (e.g., monthly assemblies, performances, Grand Day, Black History Month, etc.)

Benefits

• This 190-day, full-time school position offers a generous benefit package including health/dental/life/vision and long-term disability insurance; the School subsidizes health insurance premiums of staff and families.
• In addition to compensation and medical benefits, we offer everyday benefits that make our school a special place to work, including a 7-hour workday that supports work-life balance, complimentary lunch provided daily, small classroom sizes that allow meaningful connections with students, professional development through our internal program, a collaborative team culture with supportive leadership, and well-equipped classrooms with strong instructional resources.
• We offer an environment where teachers feel supported, valued, and able to do their best work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level