We are seeking a flexible, dynamic and dedicated Instruction and Leadership Coach to join our Team! This position will be located on the West side of Michigan, specifically the Muskegon and Grand Rapids service areas. Must be willing to travel.
Job Summary:
Instructional and Leadership Coach provides targeted instructional coaching and leadership development support to teachers, school leaders, and instructional teams across Teachers First–supported schools. This role focuses on improving classroom instruction, strengthening leadership capacity, supporting continuous improvement efforts, and building sustainable instructional systems that positively impact student outcomes.
In addition, this position serves as the primary Teachers First School Lead/Liaison for assigned schools or districts. Acting as the on-site representative of Teachers First, the School Lead serves as the central point of coordination between the school, district leadership, Board of Directors (as appropriate), and Teachers First departments. This individual helps ensure effective communication, implementation of organizational initiatives, operational coordination, and responsive client service while supporting school improvement and organizational goals.
The Instructional and Leadership Coach works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and central office staff to support curriculum implementation, data-informed decision-making, professional learning, and school improvement initiatives. This position includes on-site and virtual support, with travel required.
Qualifications:
Certification
Valid Michigan teaching certification required
Michigan administrative certification preferred
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with school leaders, district personnel, boards, and external stakeholders.
Ability to coordinate cross-functional support by collaborating with multiple departments and serving as the primary organizational liaison for assigned schools.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of successful classroom teaching experience
Demonstrated leadership experience (e.g., instructional coach, mentor teacher, department chair, school improvement team member, administrator, or similar role)
Skills, KnowledgeAbilities
Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and instructional best practices across multiple grade levels
Ability to coach both teachers and school leaders using adult learning theory
Experience supporting school improvement efforts and continuous improvement processes
Strong understanding of data analysis (formative, interim, and summative) to guide instructional and leadership decisions
Ability to work collaboratively across multiple schools and teams
Strong organizational, planning, and documentation skills
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving ability, and flexibility
Commitment to continuous professional learning
Key Responsibilities:
School Lead / Liaison Responsibilities
Serve as the primary Teachers First representative for assigned schools or districts, ensuring consistent communication and high-quality client service.
Build collaborative relationships with school leadership, district administration, governing boards, and community stakeholders.
Coordinate support among Teachers First departments, including Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Compliance, Technology, Facilities, Student Services, and School Quality.
Monitor implementation of Teachers First services and proactively identify operational, instructional, or compliance needs.
Facilitate regular leadership meetings and maintain ongoing communication regarding priorities, progress, and areas requiring additional support.
Assist with Board meetings, strategic planning, school improvement initiatives, and organizational projects as assigned. Support onboarding of new school leaders, administrators, and Teachers First initiatives.
Escalate concerns, risks, and opportunities to Executive Leadership while assisting with timely resolution.
Promote a positive partnership between Teachers First and assigned schools through responsive communication, professionalism, and solution-oriented leadership.
Instructional Coaching
Conduct classroom observations and provide coaching, modeling, and actionable feedback aligned to instructional priorities and best practices
Support teachers with lesson planning, pacing, differentiation, and the use of effective instructional strategies
Assist teachers with accessing and implementing instructional resources, curriculum materials, and assessment tools
Develop individualized or team-based coaching plans to support instructional growth and student achievement
Support the analysis and use of student data to identify instructional needs and guide improvement efforts
Leadership CoachingSupport
Provide coaching and professional support to school leaders, instructional leaders, and leadership teams
Support principals and leadership teams in monitoring instructional quality and implementing improvement strategies
Assist school leaders with the development and implementation of professional learning plans for staff
Support leadership capacity in areas such as instructional leadership, data use, staff development, and school culture
Professional DevelopmentContinuous Improvement
Design and facilitate professional development aligned to school and organizational priorities
Support follow-up implementation through coaching, observations, and feedback cycles
Assist with continuous improvement efforts (e.g., school improvement planning, action planning, progress monitoring)
Facilitate collaborative structures such as PLCs, leadership teams, or instructional committees as appropriate
Special PopulationsSystems Support (Selective)
Support inclusive instructional practices and differentiated instruction for diverse learners
Collaborate with Teachers First staff and school teams to support MTSS implementation and instructional interventions
Provide guidance to teachers and leaders on instructional strategies that support students with varying academic needs
Collaboration, CommunicationDocumentation
Work collaboratively with Teachers First leadership and school-based staff to align instructional and leadership support
Maintain accurate records of coaching activities, observations, and support provided
Communicate progress, trends, and needs to Teachers First leadership to inform system-level planning
Complete other duties as assigned to support instructional quality and leadership development
Serve as the primary communication liaison between assigned schools/districts and Teachers First, ensuring timely coordination of services, follow-up on requests, and alignment across departments.
Travel Requirements
This position requires periodic travel to school sites and meetings.
Travel-related expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with Teachers First policies.
Work Environment
Combination of on-site school-based work and virtual support
Collaborative, team-oriented professional environment
Flexible schedule to meet the needs of schools and staff