Curriculum Specialist - Instructional Coaching

Instructional coaches serve in the role of a curriculum specialist when they collaborate with teachers to develop an understanding around their curriculum in order to provide the best instruction to their students.

Coaches know how to determine broad and finite learning outcomes, recognize the sequential, hierarchical, and conceptual relationship within the curriculum, how to ‘peel’ a broad content standards into its essential knowledge and skills, and how to plan pacing guides.

Coaches help teachers recognize interdisciplinary connections within standards to maximize students’ opportunities to learn and apply their learning.
- Joellen Killion and Cindy Harrison; Taking the Lead

The Role of the Curriculum Specialist:

As Curriculum Specialists, coaches develop a deep understanding of the content and curriculum as well as aid teachers in developing their own content knowledge. Coaches have familiarity with vertical articulation and are able to facilitate discussions around the breadth and depth of standards as students grow.

Here are some ways that FCPS Instructional Coaches serve in this role:

  • Deepening teachers content knowledge through job-embedded professional development opportunities.
  • Interpreting county curriculum guides alongside teachers while helping to uncover essential understandings about standards.
  • Collaborating with teachers to analyze curricular materials in order to align content with instructional strategies.

When coaching is designed well, coaches can help semi-skilled teachers as well as skilled educators refine their practice on the job in all essential areas...and help to ensure that every student is working with a highly-qualified, caring teacher.
- Lucy West and Antonia Cameron; Agents of Change

School Leader

Instructional coaches serve in the role of a school leader when they share the school vision, align their professional goals with school and district goals, and share responsibility for the school’s overall success.

Classroom Supporter

Instructional coaches serve in the role of a classroom supporter when they work inside classrooms to help teachers implement new ideas through demonstration, co-teaching, or observation and feedback.

Instructional Specialist

Instructional coaches serve in the role of an instructional specialist when they work with teachers to plan for high-yield instructional strategies to use in the classroom with students.

Catalyst for Change

Instructional coaches serve in the role of a catalyst for change when they question the status quo, always seeking to provide the best educational experience for students.

Learning Facilitator

Instructional coaches serve in the role of learning facilitators when they train teachers in new instructional strategies, facilitate whole school professional development opportunities, and support the work of collaborative learning teams.

Data Coach

Instructional coaches serve in the role of a data coach when they analyze data to make informed instructional decisions to meet the needs of all learners.

Staff Mentor

Instructional coaches serve in the role of a mentor as they continue to build trusting relationships with the staff in a school to develop partnerships with all stakeholders.

Learner

Instructional coaches serve in the role of a learner who model continual improvement, reflect on their work by seeking and graciously receiving feedback, experimenti with new ideas, and use what they learn to help all teachers and students achieve.

Resource Provider

Instructional coaches serve in the role of a resource provider when they support teachers in developing the knowledge of available resources, such as curriculum and instructional resources.

Instructional Coaching

The Instructional Coaching program prepares and supports teacher leaders who guide their colleagues in data analysis, best practices, and collaboration to improve student learning.