2026-2027 Instructional Coach at ZEST Preparatory Academy

Description

ABOUT US

ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School is a K–5 public charter school located in Douglasville, Georgia, in the Metro Atlanta area. The school opened in August 2023, serving 216 students in kindergarten through third grade, and will continue to add a grade level each year until reaching full K–5 enrollment.

Our mission is to provide an academically rigorous, supportive, and joyful learning environment that develops the leader inside every student preparing them for lifelong educational success and meaningful community service.

At ZEST Preparatory Academy, we believe all students deserve access to an excellent education. Through high expectations, intentional instruction, and a strong sense of community, we empower students to grow as scholars, leaders, and responsible citizens.

We will accomplish our mission through an academically rigorous environment where students will master the core subjects, develop advanced academic skills, hone their leadership skills in and out of school, and demonstrate community service. Our staff hold an unwavering belief that all students deserve an excellent education and it’s our collective responsibility to prepare students to take a seat at the table, so they can emerge as the next generation of leaders. We also believe that it’s never too early to prepare students for college and career, so they have the opportunity to live choice filled lives.

OUR APPROACH

Our college preparatory model includes three key components beginning with an intentional focus on language and literacy development to increase critical thinking and reading proficiencies for all students. Second, a discovery-based learning approach where teachers encourage our students to take ownership of their learning by discovering new ideas and solutions to real world challenges. The third component, leadership, teaches essential habits of leadership so students can apply real world skills to their overall growth and development. ZEST Prep intentionally teaches leadership skills beginning in kindergarten.

JOB TITLE: Instructional Coach

CLASSIFICATION: School Based

REPORTS TO: Principal

POSITION SUMMARY

 A critical component of ZEST Preparatory Academy’s success is the daily implementation of high-quality teaching and learning that supports students’ academic achievement and social development.

The Instructional Coach plays a key role in strengthening instructional practice across all content areas, supporting teachers in the effective implementation of the school’s academic program. This position works directly with teachers to improve instructional planning, delivery, assessment, and classroom culture, ensuring alignment with ZEST Preparatory Academy’s mission, goals, and vision. The Instructional Coach collaborates closely with the Principal and the school based admin to support consistent, high-quality instruction and continuous improvement across the school.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL COACH

Advocate: Advocates for the mission, vision, and strategic direction of ZEST Preparatory Academy

Positivity: Promotes a positive and effective climate by ensuring that all interactions with staff, students, parents, and the public are prompt, efficient, helpful, and friendly

Flexible: Embraces an “all hands on deck” mentality. Must be comfortable with ambiguity

Problem Solver: Recognizes problems as an opportunity and actively assists with constructive resolutions

Learner: Actively seeks out and participates in personal and professional development opportunities

JOB EXPECTATIONS

The Instructional Coach supports ZEST Preparatory Academy’s academic program and classroom culture through direct, job-embedded coaching aligned to the school’s adopted curriculum and instructional priorities. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Instructional Planning & Coaching

• Serve as a model educator, demonstrating effective instructional practices aligned to ZEST Prep’s curriculum and instructional frameworks across all subject areas.
• Provide weekly, direct classroom coaching through observations, modeling, co-teaching, and feedback cycles.
• Lead teachers through goal setting, coaching conversations, and reflective practice to strengthen instructional effectiveness and classroom culture.
• Plan, facilitate, and support professional learning experiences aligned to schoolwide academic goals, data trends, and instructional priorities.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and walkthroughs, providing timely, actionable feedback grounded in curriculum expectations and instructional standards.
• Support the collection, analysis, and use of instructional data to inform coaching priorities and instructional adjustments.

Student Academic Growth & Instructional Excellence

• Support the implementation of ZEST Prep’s instructional vision, including curriculum fidelity, instructional strategies, and assessment practices.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the Georgia Standards of Excellence to ensure alignment, rigor, and student mastery across all content areas.
• Maintain strong expertise in the Science of Reading and language and literacy development, while also supporting high-quality instruction in mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Monitor student performance data and promote a data-driven culture, supporting teachers in analyzing results and responding with targeted instructional strategies.
• Support teachers in improving student outcomes on state assessments and internal measures, including, but not limited to NWEA MAP, Lumos Learning, IXL, and Amira.

Positive School Culture & Relationships

• Coach teachers in building strong classroom communities and fostering positive student relationships that support engagement and academic success.
• Provide guidance and support to teachers working with students who require additional behavioral or social-emotional support.
• Model and coach effective family communication practices, promoting strong partnerships between school and home in support of student learning and the ZEST Prep mission.

Ancillary Duties:

Include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrate positive support for the Board of Directors, administrative team, school staff, students, families, and the broader school community.
• Promote and reinforce a positive, inclusive school culture aligned to ZEST Preparatory Academy’s mission and values.
• Plan, support, and participate in school-wide events, including academic celebrations, family engagement activities, leadership events, and community programs.
• Attend and support after-school activities and school-sponsored events, as needed.
• Assist with student arrival and dismissal, including supervision of carpool, bus, and walker procedures, to ensure student safety and efficient operations.
• Provide additional supervision and support during school transitions, special events, and high-traffic times, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university;

Georgia Educator Certificate (required)

Experience:

• Five years’ experience in schools or education leadership required
• Charter school experience desirable
• Current authorization to work in the United States
• Clear Criminal Background Check

Knowledge and Competencies:

• Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, and excellent organizational skill
• Strong communication skills
• Commitment to excellence balanced with human-centered leadership
• Meticulous attention to detail, precision, and accuracy
• Knowledge of strategies for organization, management, and adult supervision
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people in a multi-generational workplace

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Salary range $60,000-$68,000.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered to full-time employees. Competitive rates for medical insurance and short-term disability insurance. Dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance are offered

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

ZEST Preparatory Academy is actively seeking to build a diverse and experienced team of leaders. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are an equal opportunity employer.