Mentor Coach

Overview

Responsible for observing and assessing the classroom activities of a Head Start program and providing on-the-job guidance and training to the Head Start 3-5 program staff, in order to improve the qualifications and training of classroom staff, to maintain high quality education service and to promote career development in Head Start programs (Head Start Act, as amended December 12, 2007; Sec. 648A. (b) Mentor Teachers). Utilizing the Practice Based Coaching model the Mentor / Coach's primary function is to assist educators to implement and measurably improve high quality teaching practices. The Mentor / Coach aligns guidance with the teaching practices identified by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).

Responsibilities

• Participate in the On-Boarding Process of new educators by conducting one on one training and classroom observation, as well as visit new educators within the first week in the classroom setting.
• Recognize existing strengths of educators and build positive, reflective mentor / coaching relationships. Adapt successfully to diverse learning styles.
• Conduct the CLASS observation as needed for the newly hired staff.
• Based on the CLASS observation, utilizing the Early Learning Outcomes Framework as well as the program's School Readiness Goals creates with the educator a Professional Development Plan with goals and suggested trainings to improve overall classroom skills and support the educator in implementing effective teaching practices.
• Collaborates with the program staff to prioritize training and technical assistance according to mentoring needs. Collaborates with Mental Health and Disabilities Content Area Lead / Specialists to provide mentor / coaching to support participation for children with disabilities and / or behavioral and social-emotional needs.
• Implement Practice Based Coaching with the assigned educators through modeling of effective teaching practices, focused observation, shadowing, and video observation, reflective feedback and other training and technical assistance.
• Ensure each assigned educator receives mentor / coaching 1-3 times a month to review observation outcomes, classroom management, and development of strategies to improve teaching practices.
• Work to improve teaching practices within the CLASS Observation domains of Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support through Practice Based Coaching.
• Ensure that performance standards, minimum standards, program standards, and developmentally appropriate practices are maintained in the classroom.
• Maintain Practice Based Coaching documentation, including Professional Development Plans, meeting and observation notes, and monthly tracking of mentor / coaching activities.
• Assist in conducting an annual community assessment of the service area education services and participate in the program-wide Self Assessment.
• Guide the development of annual quantitative and qualitative goals and objectives for education services in the Head Start Program, including classroom, cluster, and overall program.
• Travel to assigned classrooms and attend all in-service trainings, seminars, and other assigned meetings.
• Promote and maintain the confidentiality of the Mentor / Coach and Coachee relationship.
• Work with Educators to obtain necessary credentialing as part of the Professional Development Plan, facilitate training and technical assistance.
• Other duties as assigned by Lead Mentor / Coach.

Work Experience

Education / Certifications / Licensure

Skills

Physical Requirements

If a preliminary offer of employment is extended, a physical will be required before the offer can be accepted.

Able to perform the following physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation : general vision; specific vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus; hearing (corrected) and the ability to speak clearly; and the ability to walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, lift, carry, push, pull or move objects up to 10 lbs., and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

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