Santa Fe South Schools | Founding Instructional Coach, Paloma Elementary

Oklahoma City, OK | Full-Time | 210 Days | 2027–2028 School Year
Reports to: Site Leader and/or District Academic Team

Develop exceptional teachers. Drive student achievement. Help found a school.

Santa Fe South Charter Schools (SFS) is a free public charter school district serving the south side of Oklahoma City since 2001. Our mission is grounded in high expectations, strong relationships, and a deep belief that all students—regardless of background—deserve an excellent, joyful education that prepares them for long-term success.

About Our New Elementary School

Santa Fe South is preparing to open its seventh elementary school for the 2027–2028 school year, and we are beginning to build the founding team now. While the school's name is still to come, its purpose is clear: create a school where strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and high expectations give students an exceptional start.

Initially serving students in PreK–1st grade, our new school will depend on strong instructional leadership, thoughtful collaboration, and a shared commitment to academic excellence. As the school grows, the systems, expectations, and professional culture established by the founding team will shape the experiences of students and educators for years to come.

The founding Instructional Coach will play a central role in establishing high-quality instructional practices, supporting teacher development, and building the collaborative systems that drive student achievement. This is an opportunity for an experienced educator to help shape teaching and learning at a new school from its very beginning.

Position Summary

The Founding Instructional Coach is an instructional leadership position focused on improving student achievement by building teacher capacity through strong content knowledge, research-based instructional practices, and data-driven decision-making. The instructional coach models Santa Fe South's Core Values and works collaboratively with teachers, school leadership, and the district Academic Team to strengthen instruction and ensure all students have access to high-quality learning experiences.

The instructional coach partners with individual teachers to analyze student performance data, assess current instructional practices, and establish meaningful performance and development goals. Coaching activities include modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, classroom observation and feedback, and individual conferencing. The coach also facilitates content teams, supports curriculum implementation, assists with schoolwide assessments and interventions, and contributes to professional development aligned with district and site priorities.

At Santa Fe South, instructional coaches are expected to bring deep content knowledge and practical instructional expertise to their work. This role requires the ability to identify instructional needs, anticipate student misconceptions, analyze student work, and support teachers in making adjustments that lead to stronger student outcomes.

As a founding team member at Santa Fe South's seventh elementary school, the Instructional Coach will help establish the instructional systems, collaborative practices, and culture of continuous improvement that support academic excellence from day one. This role requires strong instructional judgment, effective relationship-building, initiative, and an unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels and all teachers can continue growing their craft.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Coaching & Teacher Development

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with teachers and support their professional growth through individualized, ongoing instructional coaching.
• Observe teachers and provide actionable feedback at least once per week, including in-person feedback and documentation in the district's designated platform.
• Review lesson plans weekly and provide feedback aligned with district expectations for instructional planning.
• Establish individualized coaching plans that identify teacher development goals, instructional priorities, and specific actions for both the teacher and coach.
• Provide coaching through modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, classroom observation, feedback, and individual conferencing.
• Analyze student performance data and current teacher practices to identify instructional needs and determine appropriate coaching strategies.
• Set and monitor progress toward teacher development and performance goals aligned with site and district priorities.
• Conduct teacher planning and progress meetings three times per year to review development goals, instructional practices, and progress toward site and district expectations.
• Maintain high expectations for instructional quality while fostering a professional culture of reflection, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Curriculum Implementation & Instructional Practices

• Monitor implementation of district curriculum, including instructional pacing, lesson planning, and required assessments.
• Collaborate with the district Academic Team to support the continued development and refinement of curriculum, common assessments, and instructional resources as assigned.
• Work alongside members of the Academic Team to strengthen content knowledge, pedagogy, instructional methodology, and research-based practices among teachers.
• Support teachers in planning and pacing lessons, differentiating instruction, and selecting effective strategies to meet student learning needs.
• Assist teachers in anticipating student misconceptions, identifying learning gaps, and designing instruction that supports student mastery.
• Support consistent implementation of district instructional expectations and alignment with Oklahoma Academic Standards.
• Work with teachers to establish appropriate testing environments for common formative assessments and other district assessments.
• Monitor the effectiveness of personalized learning platforms, instructional interventions, and supplemental resources.

Content Team Leadership & Professional Development

• Facilitate content team meetings at least twice per week to support collaborative planning, instructional improvement, and student achievement.
• Develop and maintain weekly content team agendas aligned with district instructional priorities.
• Implement district protocols during content team meetings, including processes for reviewing student work, analyzing data, and planning instructional responses.
• Communicate instructional action steps, priorities, and progress to the Site Leader and members of the district Academic Team.
• Support teachers in using collaborative planning time effectively to strengthen instructional practices and student outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Site Leader to identify professional learning needs and design and deliver professional development aligned with district and site goals.
• Model effective instructional practices and facilitate opportunities for teachers to learn from one another.

Schoolwide Testing & Assessment Coordination

• Collaborate with the Site Leader and district Academic Team to develop and implement schoolwide testing schedules.
• Coordinate with Special Education and English Learner departments to identify appropriate student testing accommodations and organize testing groups as needed.
• Support the implementation of consistent testing procedures and appropriate testing environments.
• Conduct testing environment walkthroughs for assigned grade levels or content areas during common assessments.
• Participate in testing environment walkthroughs with the Site Leadership Team during district and state assessments.
• Assist teachers in resolving assessment-related technology issues and coordinate with district IT personnel when additional support is needed.
• Support accurate and timely administration of district and state assessments in accordance with established procedures.

Data Analysis, Student Achievement & Intervention

• Collaborate with the Site Leader to monitor teacher performance and student progress toward district achievement goals at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year.
• Analyze student performance data following district and common assessments to identify trends, instructional needs, and opportunities for improvement.
• Work with teachers and content teams to translate assessment results into specific instructional action steps.
• Support content teams in developing, implementing, and monitoring action plans designed to improve student achievement.
• Assist teachers in strengthening Tier 1 instruction and developing targeted supports aligned with student learning needs.
• Collaborate with the Site Leader and district Academic Team to support effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
• Analyze student data to identify appropriate intervention groups for assigned grade levels or content areas.
• Partner with teachers to finalize intervention groups and coordinate instructional supports.
• Collaborate with the Academic Team to identify and organize appropriate intervention materials and resources.
• Monitor intervention implementation through classroom observations, feedback, and collaboration with the Site Leadership Team.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional interventions and recommend adjustments based on student progress.

Instructional Leadership & Strategic Plan Implementation

• Collaborate with the Site Leader to develop and execute weekly instructional priorities aligned with the district's strategic plan.
• Partner with school leadership to establish clear instructional routines, procedures, and expectations that support structured, productive learning environments.
• Support implementation of schoolwide academic goals, instructional expectations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Use classroom observations, student performance data, and teacher feedback to identify instructional trends and recommend improvements.
• Participate actively in district instructional leadership training, professional development, and collaborative learning opportunities.
• Maintain a weekly work schedule aligned with district expectations for instructional coaches.
• Model Santa Fe South's Core Values, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to high expectations.
• Uphold site and district instructional goals while supporting teachers in achieving meaningful growth.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative school culture focused on student learning and continuous improvement.

Founding School Preparation & Development

• Collaborate with the founding Site Leader, district Academic Team, and instructional staff to establish strong instructional systems and expectations before the school's opening.
• Help develop consistent structures for lesson planning, classroom observations, instructional feedback, content team meetings, and teacher coaching.
• Support the implementation of district curriculum, assessments, instructional materials, and academic routines across the new campus.
• Partner with the founding team to establish clear expectations for instructional quality, classroom routines, and student achievement.
• Help build a collaborative professional culture grounded in strong relationships, instructional rigor, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support the development of systems for analyzing student data, monitoring academic progress, and implementing effective interventions.
• Assist founding teachers in understanding district instructional expectations, curriculum resources, assessment practices, and professional learning structures.
• Collaborate with school leadership to identify instructional priorities and establish systems that can adapt as the school grows.
• Bring initiative, flexibility, and a problem-solving mindset to the work of opening a new school.
• Identify emerging instructional needs, communicate challenges, and help refine practices and systems as the school develops.

Professional Responsibilities & Schoolwide Support

• Maintain accurate documentation of coaching activities, instructional feedback, teacher development goals, and relevant student achievement data.
• Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, sound judgment, and discretion when working with teachers, students, families, and school leaders.
• Participate in required meetings, professional development, school activities, and district initiatives.
• Support a positive school culture that reflects Santa Fe South's mission, Core Values, and commitment to student achievement.
• Collaborate effectively with school leadership and district teams to advance instructional priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by school administration.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated success as a classroom teacher.
• Deep knowledge of academic content, learning theory, instructional methods, research-based practices, and effective curriculum implementation.
• Understanding of current educational trends, blended learning practices, instructional technology, and program planning.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze student assessment data and use findings to improve instructional practice and student outcomes.
• Ability to provide constructive instructional feedback and support adult professional growth.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with teams of teachers to improve student achievement.
• Ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships with students, teachers, school leaders, and district staff.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage competing instructional priorities.
• Technological proficiency and adaptability.
• An unwavering belief that all students can learn at high levels and that educators can continuously improve their practice.
• Commitment to high expectations, continuous improvement, and the mission of Santa Fe South Charter Schools.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Valid Oklahoma teaching certificate.
• Experience serving as an instructional coach, teacher leader, mentor teacher, or professional development facilitator.
• Familiarity with NWEA MAP, Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP), and Oklahoma Academic Standards.
• Experience facilitating collaborative teacher teams, analyzing student work, and leading data-driven instructional planning.
• Experience supporting curriculum implementation, common assessments, and multi-tiered intervention systems.
• Demonstrated success supporting other educators in improving instructional practice and student achievement.

Who Thrives in This Role?

We are looking for a founding team member who demonstrates:

• Commitment to student achievement: Maintains an unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels and that strong instruction is essential to making that possible.
• Instructional expertise: Brings deep content knowledge, successful classroom experience, and the ability to recognize and strengthen effective teaching practices.
• Passion for developing teachers: Enjoys helping educators improve through meaningful feedback, collaboration, and individualized coaching.
• Data-driven decision-making: Uses student work, assessment results, and classroom evidence to identify instructional needs and determine effective next steps.
• Strong relationships and accountability: Builds trust with teachers while maintaining clear expectations, providing honest feedback, and supporting continuous improvement.
• Collaborative leadership: Works effectively with teachers, school leaders, and district teams to advance shared instructional goals.
• Organization and follow-through: Manages coaching cycles, instructional priorities, teacher development plans, and data analysis with consistency and attention to detail.
• Flexibility and initiative: Embraces the opportunities and challenges of opening a new school, anticipates needs, and helps establish effective systems.
• Growth mindset and perseverance: Approaches challenges as opportunities for learning, remains focused through setbacks, and believes that every educator can continue developing their craft.

Why Join Santa Fe South?

• Help build something lasting: Join the founding team of a new elementary school and help establish a culture of instructional excellence from day one.
• Make a meaningful impact: Strengthen teacher effectiveness and directly influence the academic experiences and achievement of students.
• Shape instructional practices: Play a central role in establishing coaching systems, collaborative planning structures, and strong instructional expectations.
• Develop exceptional educators: Work alongside dedicated teachers and help them deepen their content knowledge, refine their practice, and achieve meaningful student growth.
• Grow through collaboration: Partner with school and district instructional leaders who value content expertise, professional learning, and continuous improvement.
• Join a connected community: Become part of an established district with deep roots in south Oklahoma City and a shared commitment to student success.

Benefits and Compensation

• Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits program, including the option for 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee.
• 401(k) retirement program with district contribution.

Terms of Employment

This position is a 210-day contract for the 2027–2028 school year. Employment terms, including salary and benefits, are established by Santa Fe South Charter Schools.

The instructional coach is expected to dedicate the substantial majority of their work time to direct instructional coaching, classroom support, teacher development, and related instructional activities, consistent with district expectations.

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications of the position and is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be modified based on student, campus, and district needs.