Title: Mathematics Coach

DEFINITION:The middle school math coach is a certified teacher whose primary role is providing classroom teachers and other instructional staff members with strategies, tools, and techniques to effectively teach math to all students. The math coach should:

  1. Establish positive and productive professional relationships with co-workers, school and district administrators,
  2. Possess excellent interpersonal relations, communication skills, and organizational skills,
  3. Use data to make effective instructional decisions, and
  4. Be knowledgeable of Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning (6-9), mathematical concepts, effective instruction and pedagogy.

GOALS:Through professional development, observations, and feedback, provide teachers support in dealing with new content, adapting to new methods of teaching, working in collaborative groups, adapting to new ways of assessing students, and learning how to use new curriculum materials. Build rapport within the school building so teachers benefit from a site-based long-term professional development program that targets content and pedagogical knowledge. Share the importance of teamwork and collaboration in bringing to reality a new vision of a school’s mathematics program.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

  1. Problem solving.
  2. Planning and organization.
  3. Knowledge and experience in math curriculum implementation.
  4. Evidence of continued professional development.
  5. Evidence of taking leadership positions.
  6. Ability to work independently and in groups.
  7. Computer application skills and district requisitioning programs.
  8. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

EVALUATION: The math coach reports to the secondary mathematics specialist. The work of a math coach will be evaluated by the Directors of Secondary Education, Secondary Mathematics Specialist, and principals.School and student achievement/growth will be a contributing factor.

Essential Functions and Performance Responsibilities of Math Coaches:

Leadership/Professional Development

  1. Stay abreast of current educational trends and best practices as these relate to classroom instruction and effective schools.
  2. Attend professional development and specified training to enhance mathematics content and pedagogical skills (some will occur during the summer).
  3. Researches and provides information and guidance regarding a range of effective and innovative mathematics practices through various activities such as:
  4. Individual discussions – informal and formal,
  5. Coaching sessions,
  6. Demonstration lessons with pre-and post-discussion/analysis,
  7. Study groups,
  8. Staff meetings, and
  9. Professional development programs.
  10. Coordinate with the Secondary Mathematics Specialist to develop and provide professional development to math teachers, department leaders and administrators.
  11. Facilitate attendance at state-wide and local math conferences.
  12. Facilitate training of curricular materials, mathematical software, and assessments.
  13. Meet with teacher teams to analyze and interpret school and division data, utilizing this analysis to identify areas of need in the core program.
  14. Assist teachers with the development and implementation of instructional strategies that support differentiatedinstruction to meet the needs of remedial, average, and advanced students.
  15. Provide classroom support and assists classroom teachers with planning daily instructional activities for all students, demonstrating knowledge of subject matter and using state Standards of Learning and the curriculum of the district.
  16. Use student achievement data to identify staff development needs for teachers and departments.

Classroom

  1. Teach 1-2 classes as a model classroom for mathematics demonstration lessons.
  2. Conduct in-class demonstration lessons or co-teaching that model best practices.
  3. Conduct classroom visitations to help identify strengths and deficiencies of mathematics practices.
  4. Schedule classroom observations regularly; identify areas of concern; work and create assignments for teachers.
  5. Assist with targeted small group instruction.
  6. Incorporate and model appropriate use of technology to support instruction and student learning.
  7. Maintain professionalmanner when interacting with students, parents, patrons, community agencies and colleagues.
  8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Collaboration

  1. Participate in Academic Achievement Team/Leadership Team meetings, where applicable.
  2. Assist the principal and the school improvement team in the planning and implementing of the schools effort to increase the proficiency of mathematics for all students.
  3. Work closely with the secondary math specialist/coaches in curriculum matters (meeting twice a month).
  4. Collaborate with individual teachers or teams of teachers through co-planning, co-teaching and coaching.

Evaluation of Program Implementation

  1. Collect data for program evaluation (teacher/administrator surveys, classroom observations, work samples, student growth, etc.).
  2. Review and analyze county, school, teacher and grade level data; share information with teachers, principals, and math specialist.
  3. Identify and communicate areas of concern to building principal and secondary math specialist.
  4. Maintain a log of duties and responsibilities consistently, appropriately, and in a timely fashion.

Curricular Materials

  1. Identify, locate, and/or create a variety of instructional materials to stimulate learning and meet the needs of all students.
  2. Coordinate/facilitate the distribution of research-based curricular materials and manipulatives in math classrooms.
  3. Assist in development of district curriculum and assessment resources.
  4. Become an expert in the curriculum adopted by the district.
  5. Become an expert in the digital curriculum and technology adopted by the district.

August 2011