Dual Language Instructional Coach - SMES (2026-2027 School Year)

Harrisonburg City Public Schools•Harrisonburg, VA

About The Position

Instructional coaches are an integral part of the leadership team of an elementary school, along with principals, counselors, teachers, media specialists, and other support staff. Instructional coaches are primarily responsible for providing school-wide instructional leadership by positively impacting student achievement and professional learning through coaching partnerships and demonstrating best instructional practice. The instructional coach maintains professional relationships with staff, administrators, and students. The Dual Language Instructional Coach is a key instructional leader responsible for strengthening the implementation and impact of the dual language program. This role supports teachers, leaders, and staff through coaching, professional learning, and data-driven decision-making to improve academic achievement, biliteracy, and equitable outcomes for multilingual learners. The coach collaborates with school and division leadership to ensure high-quality dual language pedagogy, including cross-linguistic transfer, academic discourse, and culturally responsive instruction, resulting in improved teacher efficacy and student outcomes.

Requirements

Possess or qualify for a VA collegiate professional license w/ an endorsement in Elementary Education and a Dual Language Endorsement (or will complete w/in 1st year of coaching)
Completed LETRs training or VLP course (or will complete w/in 1st year of coaching)
Minimum of 5 years of successful elementary classroom teaching experience, including at least 2 years in a dual language program or multilingual setting
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English (oral & written)
Demonstrated expertise in: Biliteracy instruction and second language acquisition, Language production strategies and academic discourse, Data-driven instruction and formative assessment practices
Strong knowledge of Standards of Learning (SOLs), curriculum development, and instructional best practices, and working knowledge of assigned K-5 SOL content.
Experience working with diverse student populations and culturally responsive practices in an inclusive setting
Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects
Experience collecting, visualizing, and acting on student formative assessment data to alter instruction and student learning outcomes
Demonstrated knowledge of instruction and curriculum development, current theory, instructional practices, and various assessment strategies
Experience working with diverse learning needs.
Proficiency with Google Suite, email, and information system applications.
Proficiency in the use of a variety of office and technology equipment.
Proficiency in business English: spelling, grammar, and spoken language.
Emotionally mature, objective, and sensitive to people and their concerns.
Able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, families, administration, co-workers, and the community.
Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Familiarity with racial equity and inclusion frameworks and models non-discriminatory and cultural inclusion practices in all activities.
Respects the worth, dignity, and individual beliefs of others.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences, specifically racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities, to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.
Demonstrates leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to flex communication style to multiple cultural environments to improve instructional practices

Nice To Haves

Experience coaching, modeling instruction, or leading adult learning (preferred)

Responsibilities

Effectively uses the HCPS coaching model
Participates in monthly instructional coach meetings
Supports teachers in the implementation of school and division level initiatives
Collaborates with Principals, the Coordinator of Instruction, and Content Coordinators to determine instructional support needs (including providing intervention if needed)
Works with administrators and teachers to analyze student data to identify trends and instructional gaps in language acquisition and content mastery
Supports teachers' growth through: Co-Planning, Co-Teaching, Micro Modeling lessons, Analyzing student data, Observing, Providing feedback, Use of high-impact dual language strategies
Works with principal, instructional coaches, and instructional technology coach to design and facilitate professional learning.
Responds to telephone, email, and in-person requests
Serves as a role model by developing and effectively maintaining professional boundaries with staff and students
Serves as a role model for others as an educational leader by demonstrating good attendance, punctuality, appearance, demeanor, dress, and behavior
Models professional, moral and ethical standards as well as personal integrity in all interactions, including non-discriminatory and cultural inclusion practices by respecting the worth, dignity, and individual beliefs of others.
Participate in professional development of self and others, including school and division staff development, some of which occurs during the summer
Takes all industry standard precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.
Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
Actively participates in and attends all required meetings
Maintains confidentiality in all matters
Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, procedures, and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
Effectively performs other duties as assigned by the Principal