Writing Coach

Job Title: Writing Coach (Grades 6–8)

Position Summary

The Writing Coach will provide embedded, school-based instructional coaching to middle school English Language Arts teachers (grades 6–8) to strengthen writing instruction, improve student writing outcomes, and build sustainable teacher capacity. The coach will collaborate with district leadership and instructional staff to implement research-based writing practices aligned with New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the district’s novel-based curriculum.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Coaching & Professional Learning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive writing coaching plan aligned with district curriculum and state standards.
  
   
• Provide a minimum of 18 full-day, in-school coaching sessions, including:
  
  
  • Classroom observation
    
     
  • Co-teaching and demonstration lessons
    
     
  • Modeling of effective writing instruction
    
     
  • Individual and group feedback sessions
    
     
• Maintain coaching logs and submit written reflection summaries to district leadership.
  
   

Student Writing Improvement

• Support teachers in using student writing data to inform instruction and interventions.
  
   
• Collaborate with educators to design and implement:
  
  
  • Targeted writing interventions
    
     
  • Grade-level writing tasks
    
     
  • Rubrics and anchor papers aligned with district expectations
    
     
• Monitor student progress and contribute to a final report summarizing:
  
  
  • Student growth trends
    
     
  • Instructional shifts
    
     
  • Recommendations for continued improvement
    
     

Teacher Capacity Building

• Develop individualized coaching plans based on teacher self-assessments and administrator input.
  
   
• Design and deliver two professional development workshops focused on key writing topics (e.g., argument writing, mentor texts, revision strategies, and conferencing).
  
   
• Conduct an end-of-year teacher survey to evaluate coaching effectiveness and identify ongoing professional learning needs.
  
   

Curriculum & Equity Alignment

• Align writing instruction with the district’s novel-based curriculum and equity framework.
  
   
• Support teachers in integrating culturally responsive texts and writing prompts that reflect students’ identities and experiences.
  
   
• Provide guidance on:
  
  
  • Scaffolding writing tasks for Multilingual Learners
    
     
  • Differentiating instruction for students with IEPs
    
     
  • Using inclusive and accessible instructional strategies
    
     

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate services through the Director of Curriculum and designated district administrators.
  
   
• Participate in planning meetings and provide regular progress updates.
  
   
• Maintain professional documentation and comply with all district reporting requirements.
  
   

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, English, Literacy, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  
   
• New Jersey teaching certification in English Language Arts or related instructional area (or equivalent certification/credential).
  
   
• Minimum of 3–5 years of successful classroom teaching experience in grades 6–8 or secondary ELA.
  
   
• Demonstrated experience in:
  
  
  • Writing instruction and assessment
    
     
  • Instructional coaching or teacher professional development
    
     
  • Data-driven instructional planning
    
     

Preferred Qualifications

• Literacy Coach or Reading Specialist certification.
  
   
• Experience working in:
  
  
  • High-need or urban school districts
    
     
  • Schools serving Multilingual Learners and students with disabilities
    
     
• Knowledge of:
  
  
  • New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS-ELA)
    
     
  • Culturally responsive teaching practices
    
     
  • Workshop-based or novel-based literacy instruction models
    
     

Skills & Competencies

• Strong expertise in:
  
  
  • Argument, narrative, and informational writing instruction
    
     
  • Rubric development and formative assessment
    
     
• Ability to:
  
  
  • Model effective instructional strategies
    
     
  • Build collaborative relationships with educators
    
     
  • Provide constructive, actionable feedback
    
     
• Excellent:
  
  
  • Written and verbal communication skills
    
     
  • Organizational and documentation skills
    
     
• Proficiency in:
  
  
  • Data analysis for instructional improvement
    
     
  • Designing professional development sessions
    
     

Work Requirements

• Availability to provide full-day, on-site coaching sessions as scheduled by the district.
  
   
• Ability to travel to district school sites (travel costs not reimbursed).
  
   
• Compliance with:
  
  
  • Criminal history background check requirements
    
     
  • District policies and professional conduct standards