Ubuntu School Literacy Instructional Coach

The Ubuntu School requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accordingly, successful candidates must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit proof of vaccination prior to commencement of employment.

Who We Are: Ubuntu Pathways

Ubuntu provides world-class health and educational support to orphaned and vulnerable children living in the townships of Gqeberha, South Africa. Nuancing traditional development models, we have redefined the theory of “going to scale;” instead of expanding geographically, we focus on the depth rather than breadth of our impact within a community of 400,000 people. Ubuntu's programs form an integrated system of health, educational, and social services, ensuring that disadvantaged children succeed in the world of higher education and employment.

Overview

The Ubuntu School offers students an exceptional education and a transformational pathway out of poverty. Our team instills confidence, creative expression, character growth, and social skills through a flexible, evolving, and child-driven learning model. Through a nurturing environment, high-quality instruction, and world-class wraparound support, we provide everything South Africa's most vulnerable children need to thrive.

Position Overview

The Literacy Instructional Coach will provide instructional support and coaching to teachers as they work to ensure that each student is able to reach his or her academic potential. The Literacy Instructional Coach’s primary role is to work with teachers to support best practices in using data, provide analysis of school-wide trends in instruction, and make recommendations about potential next steps to address areas of need. As an advisor to teachers and the leadership team, the Literacy Instructional Coach is responsible for four main areas: a) observing instructional delivery and providing feedback to enhance and support the development of each teacher's content area b) supporting teachers in the design of units and lessons for the development of their year-long curriculum, c) analyzing data in order to modify curriculum and forms of assessment to meet students' needs, and d) working with the academic staff (grade level chairs, assistant principals, principals) in the school to support sharing of best practices.

The Literacy Instructional Coach must take a hands-on approach to improving instruction and effectiveness by working at various levels (classroom-, school-, system-wide) to directly improve instruction, student learning and foster teacher development. This may include modeling lessons in classrooms, helping teacher groups plan instruction, creating system-wide policies and procedures, and facilitating professional development.

The Ubuntu School is looking for someone who models flexibility, passion, and commitment to supporting and building others. This person needs to have a deep understanding and commitment to progressive education and be able to dive into a new curriculum that they may be unfamiliar with. This person will encourage reflection, provide guidance and structure, and focus on teacher strengths and accountability.

Location and contract

The position is located at the Ubuntu Campus in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), South Africa. Depending on the candidate, we will consider a 3-6 month contract with the potential to renew. Applicants not based in Gqeberha must be willing to relocate for the duration of their contract.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Work closely with the teachers and administrators to strategically create and implement a plan to increase student achievement.

• Work collaboratively with the school personnel to advise directors and teachers on developing instructional strategies and intervention programs for struggling students.

• Work with various teams (administrators, teachers) to facilitate analysis of data provided by diagnostics, common assessments, and formative assessments. Help teacher teams develop both school-wide and classroom intervention plans.

• Work with teachers to refine and develop common standards based pacing plans, mid-year, and end of year common assessments for each grade level.

• Continuously monitor, track and analyze student achievement data in order to identify needed supports and strategies.

• Assist teachers in understanding Ubuntu’s mission, core values and progressive education

• Assist teachers with understanding and sourcing resources for classroom instruction and planning

• Assist teachers with planning and pacing of lessons, the development of differentiated lessons, and the selection of best practices to meet the needs of their students.

• Assist teachers in learning new teaching practices and dynamic models that involve experiential investigative and inquiry based learning

• Teach/model lessons in classrooms on a daily/weekly basis, teaching lessons side-by-side with teachers

• Work closely with school principal to organize professional development plans/sessions, orientations and training programs for staff

• Observe teachers’ lessons and provide feedback for professional growth and students’ success

• Conduct professional development on targeted topics to improve staff understanding of teaching strategies, progressive education and other needs of students

• Design systems, structures and coaching plans to improve student performance and teaching strategies

• Implement other approved instructional coaching strategies

• Work to create an effective learning community and demonstrate progress through weekly coaching documentation

Required Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to the mission, vision, goals and objectives of Ubuntu Pathways and the Ubuntu School

• Demonstrated ability to work with young children and families from diverse racial/cultural populations

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years teaching experiences in a Pre-K to Grade 5 school setting

• Knowledge of and experience with student-centered curriculum, instruction, and assessment, as well as progressive education

• Experience working with Teachers College Reading and Writing Project

• A deep understanding of theories of literacy, including the diagnostic teaching of reading and reading intervention

• Significant experience with literacy curriculum development and daily lesson planning

• Experience in analyzing data and using results to modify curricula

• Experience working with adult learners, coaching teachers, and delivering professional development.

• Strong record of helping students achieve academic success, primarily with minority and low-income students

• Excellent judgment, growth mindset, communication, and creative problem-solving skills

• Energetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive working style

• Multi-faceted, multi-skilled, and resourceful outlook – demonstrated willingness to do whatever it takes to help our students reach a level of academic excellence

• Unquestioned integrity and commitment to the Ubuntu School mission and willingness to serve the Ubuntu School community

• Understanding of challenges and opportunities in a start-up school environment

• Completion of a background check

• Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and educational leadership preferred, but not required

• Reading Specialist certificate or credential also a plus

To Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume to apply@ubuntupathways.org with the name of the position you are applying for, and your name in the subject. No telephone inquiries or recruiters please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants.

Ubuntu offers competitive salaries and a low student-teacher ratio. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Ubuntu Pathways practices a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, age or gender. As an organization, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.