Active Playful Learning Instructional Coach - Loudoun County Elementary Schools

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

109d•$70,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for the Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia seeks applicants for an Active Playful Learning Instructional Coach for elementary teachers. This role will include both on-site work in Loudoun Co, VA elementary schools, as well as remote work. The Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) is an interdisciplinary research center that aims to advance the quality of teaching and learning, from infancy to higher education. The incumbent will become part of a vibrant team of faculty, students, and staff conducting research on active playful learning in Virginia elementary schools. Specifically, the Active Playful Learning (APL) Instructional Coach will work with the University of Virginia, a subrecipient of a LEGO Foundation grant, to support the goals of the project measuring the impact of Active Playful Learning in classrooms across the U.S. As an APL instructional coach, you will collaborate with other APL coaches to support elementary school teachers in Loudoun Co. Public Schools to implement Active Playful Learning in math instruction through whole staff training, grade-level meetings, classroom observations, and individual coaching sessions. The APL instructional coach will regularly collect data and support research efforts on the implementation of APL in classrooms. APL instructional coaches will be a member of the University of Virginia research team and work under the direct supervision of Dr. Burchinal, with additional direction and support from Dr. Hofkens at RAND.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
5+ years of relevant professional experience required

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in early childhood education, education, related field or demonstrated mastery in their specialty area normally signified by significant equivalent experience
At least five years of experience teaching Kindergarten and/or Grade 1-3
Experience with teaching elementary mathematics and/or with elementary mathematics curriculum
Experience in instructional coaching or related role preferred
Experience in development, preparation, and presentation of professional development preferred
Currently certified to teach Kindergarten and/or Grade 1-3 in Virginia

Responsibilities

Conduct bi-weekly classroom visits with up to 15 elementary teachers in the Loudoun Co. school district to observe, model, co-teach and support teachers with APL implementation
Conduct bi-weekly practice-based coaching sessions with teachers to co-design goals and action plans to integrate APL practices into math instruction and assist with resources, materials, and tools to promote APL in the classroom
Lead monthly APL professional development for grade level teams
Build and maintain strong positive relationships with teachers, administrators, other coaches, and researchers, without judgment or bias, recognizing and respecting individual differences and backgrounds
Ensure timely completion of research tasks and documentation, maintain accurate records and schedules, and communicate relevant updates to team members
Work effectively and flexibly with adult learners by providing encouragement, emotional support, and strength-based feedback to facilitate growth
Work as part of a team at the University of Virginia, and collaborate and partner, as needed, with the national APL team, and the RAND research partners
Attend a summer multi-day professional conference (travel & accommodation will be provided) and engage in ongoing professional development and training with the national APL team