Instructional Support Specialist

About the role

The Instructional Support Specialist serves as a non-evaluative instructional leader dedicated to improving student achievement through high-quality instructional coaching, professional learning, and teacher support. This position provides ongoing guidance to teachers in the areas of lesson design, literacy instruction, biliteracy development, classroom management, student engagement, assessment practices, and instructional delivery. The position collaborates closely with teachers, interventionists, and administrators to improve instructional outcomes and support the professional growth of educators. When necessary, the Instructional Support Specialist may serve as acting administrator during principal absences to ensure continuity of school operations.

Responsibilities

• Support, implement, promote and enhance the district's educational program through effective management practices.
• Provide ongoing instructional coaching to teachers through coaching cycles focused on planning, instruction, assessment, and reflection.
• Conduct non-evaluative classroom observations and provide timely, actionable feedback.
• Model effective instructional practices and demonstrate research-based teaching strategies.
• Co-teach lessons and provide classroom-based instructional support when appropriate.
• Aid teachers in lesson planning, curriculum implementation, and instructional decision-making.
• Serve as a mentor and instructional resource for new and developing teachers.
• Support implementation of school-wide programs and procedures.
• Assist in the development and implementation of intervention strategies to support student achievement.
• Analyze student achievement and assessment data to identify instructional strengths and areas for growth.
• Collaborate with teachers and instructional teams to develop responsive instructional plans based on student needs.
• Facilitate data discussions and support data-informed instructional decision-making.
• Maintain progress toward school improvement goals and student achievement targets.
• Facilitate professional development aligned to district and school improvement priorities.
• Lead collaborative planning sessions, professional learning communities, and instructional team meetings.
• Collaborate with administrators, interventionists, specialists, and teacher teams to improve instructional outcomes.
• Maintain positive working relationships with staff, students, families, and community stakeholders.

Requirements

• Possess a valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a General Administrative or Principal Endorsement.
• Successful completion of the Illinois Teacher Evaluation Modules required for administrator evaluation responsibilities.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, including the ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff.
• Successful teaching experience in early childhood and/or early elementary grades.
• Experience working within a dual language educational setting.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to model effective instructional practices and provide constructive, non-evaluative feedback to support professional growth.