Instructional Coach

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
April 7, 2026

POSITION: ELA/Literacy Instructional Coach

LOCATION: Dougherty High School 

JOB SUMMARY:

The Dougherty County School System is seeking a dynamic and highly effective High School English Language Arts Instructional Coach to lead and support the advancement of literacy instruction across grades 9�12. This role is critical to accelerating student achievement, strengthening college and career readiness, and ensuring all students graduate with strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
The ELA Instructional Coach will collaborate with teachers, school leaders, and district staff to provide job-embedded professional learning through coaching cycles, co-planning, modeling, and data analysis. The coach will support the implementation of district-adopted curriculum, promote evidence-based literacy practices aligned to the Science of Reading and adolescent literacy, and ensure alignment to college and career readiness standards.
This position emphasizes strengthening disciplinary literacy, advancing rigorous writing and analytical thinking skills, improving student performance on state and district assessments, and preparing students for college and career readiness. This role is critical to accelerating student achievement in literacy, strengthening college and career readiness, and ensuring all students graduate with the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills necessary for postsecondary success. The coach will play a key role in advancing district literacy priorities and improving outcomes on state and district assessments.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's degree in English, Curriculum & Instruction, Literacy, or a related field (preferred);
2. Valid teaching certification in Secondary English Language Arts;
3. Minimum of five (5) years of successful high school ELA teaching experience;
4. Demonstrated expertise in literacy instruction, curriculum implementation, and assessment practices;
5. Experience working collaboratively with teachers and school leaders;
6. Experience facilitating professional learning or serving in a teacher leadership role preferred;
7. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and Board may find appropriate.
8.  Experience using student achievement data (e.g., state assessments, benchmarks) to inform instruction and improve outcomes preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Ability to design and support targeted instruction and intervention aligned to standards to meet the needs of diverse learners;
2. Instructional technology & digital literacy tools; blended learning platforms; literacy & assessment software;
3. Excellent communication and organizational skills;
4. Ability to communicate, problem-solve, manage conflict, and collaborate effectively;
5. Ability to share research-based instructional approaches with teachers and administrators;
6. Ability to train teachers in utilizing measures of achievement like universal screeners to diagnose and remediate students. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Literacy Instructional Expertise

• Deep knowledge of evidence-based literacy practices aligned to the Science of Reading and adolescent literacy research on all high school levels;
• Expertise in explicit instruction in reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary development, and language acquisition;
• Knowledge of disciplinary literacy strategies to support reading and writing in all content areas;
• Understanding of structured literacy approaches, phonological awareness (as applicable), morphology, syntax, and text complexity;
• Ability to support the implementation of district-adopted ELA curriculum, writing frameworks, and literacy initiatives;
• Support advanced literacy development, including argumentative writing, textual analysis, and disciplinary literacy aligned to high school standards;
   

Data-Driven Instruction & Assessment

• Ability to analyze universal screener data, formative assessments, writing samples, and benchmark data to inform literacy instruction;
• Skill in using literacy assessment tools (e.g., screeners, diagnostics, progress monitoring) to identify skill gaps and plan targeted instruction;
• Ability to guide teachers in data-based decision making within MTSS/RTI frameworks for literacy intervention and enrichment;
• Knowledge of progress monitoring systems and student goal-setting practices.
• Support teachers in utilizing district assessment tools and resources (e.g., benchmark assessments, writing platforms, and progress monitoring systems) to drive instruction;

Coaching & Adult Learning

• Lead and facilitate structured coaching cycles (goal setting, observation, feedback, reflection, and follow-up) to improve instructional practice and student outcomes;
• Skill in modeling literacy lessons, co-teaching, and facilitating collaborative planning aligned to standards;
• Ability to provide actionable, non-evaluative feedback to improve instructional practice;
• Expertise in facilitating professional learning communities (PLCs) focused on literacy growth;
• Strong ability to build trusting relationships and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Monitor and support the impact of coaching on instructional practices and student achievement;

Instructional Technology & Digital Literacy

• Proficiency in instructional technology tools, digital literacy platforms, and literacy assessment software;
• Ability to support blended learning and digital reading/writing platforms to enhance literacy engagement;
• Knowledge of assistive technology tools that support struggling readers and writers.
   

Communication & Leadership Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills for coaching conversations, modeling lessons, and professional development;
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, and district leaders to advance literacy goals;
• Skill in problem-solving, managing change, and navigating instructional challenges with professionalism;
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple coaching cycles, data reviews, and professional learning initiatives.

Success in this Role Includes:

• Increased student achievement in reading and writing across grades 9�12
• Improved instructional practices aligned to standards
• Effective use of data to inform instruction and intervention
• Strong collaboration with teachers, administrators, and district teams

Other Duties

• Performs additional duties that support overall student academic success as directed by leadership.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to lift and carry teaching materials, books, or small classroom equipment (typically up to 25 lbs);
2. Ability to prepare and manipulate learning materials;
3. Ability to stand and actively move around the classroom for extended periods;
4. Ability to move between classrooms, hallways, and other school areas as needed;
5. Ability to respond quickly in case of emergencies, such as evacuating students or assisting during drills;
6. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REPORTS TO: Principal

SALARY RANGE: Competitive salary and excellent benefits package, in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed upon submission. To ensure consideration, please submit all required application materials by June 24, 2025. 
 

 INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY ONLINE.

THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY.

The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations.

 Dougherty County School System uses Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.

About Us:
The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 21 schools (13 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative middle/high school), 4 learning centers, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognia. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.

Important Note:
This document provides descriptive information about the above Dougherty County School System position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.