Digital Coach

Traditional 235 work days

FTE: 1.0

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience

Essential Functions and Objectives:

This position is assigned to a specific pilot school or schools.  The position supports the development and implementation of school and district technology and instructional plans which seek to improve student engagement, student achievement and digital literacy skills through coaching, co-teaching, collaborating and consulting with teachers, building administrators and other district personnel. This position acts as a liaison with stakeholder groups and Educational Technology, maintaining knowledge of state-of-the-art practices in educational technology; initiating and promoting the use of new technologies; developing plans for assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of educational technology; aligning technology use as well as pedagogy with MyTech Program goals; and establishing and coordinating training programs with staff in the host school, students, the Educational Technology Department and DoTS.

This position is responsible for the integration of technology into student learning. This includes knowledge of the appropriate technologies and related best practices according to research and evidence-based practice, acquisition of appropriate software, staff training on use of the technology, development of materials for instructional implementation, integration into a guaranteed and viable curriculum for all students, and appropriate use of technology.

Co-reports to the Senior Manager of Educational Technology and the MyTech Program Director and coordinates with the principal at the host school on all instructionally related projects including professional development, policy, planning, and project implementation.

1.         Coordinating with school leadership, Educational Technology, and the MyTech program to insure faithful implementation of the schools’ one-to-one implementation plans.

Working with school administrators, technology and library teachers, and classroom teachers to leverage horizontal, vertical, and other networks to accelerate the effective use of learning technology throughout the school and create collaborative leadership structures that ensure the sustainability and long-term success of the 1:1 initiative after the initial 1.0 FTE.

Collaborating with the Educational Technology Department and host school leadership to write and implement a plan to support the meaningful integration of technology and engage the school community.

Creating, leading and supporting professional development related to integrating software, digital curriculum and new technologies into classroom learning.

Leading Digital Citizenship programming, promoting and ensuring responsible, safe, appropriate use of technology.

Promoting personalized learning through online learning, blended learning, inquiry-based learning and educational technology integration.

Applying facilitation skills and understand adult learning theory in order to meet the needs of school staff.

Coaching through co-planning, co-teaching, analysis and reflection with classroom teachers, using the Teacher Inquiry model and student data/evidence in order to successfully integrate technology into classroom technology.

Providing feedback, promoting professional conversation and reflective thinking in order to impact teacher effectiveness.

Developing and implementing a plan to collect data in order to monitor changes in student engagement, achievement and instructional practices related to the use of technology.

Knowing and keeping current with literacy and ESL research-based practices and pedagogy; develops a thorough understanding of Colorado Academic Standards, Common Core State Standards and ISTE Standards.

Collaborating with IT staff, Educational Technology, and other digital coaches to document the process.

Creating and managing a digital repository for materials that document and communicate building’s technology. integration including professional development plans, surveys with the parent, teachers and student community.

Providing guidance for policy/procedural considerations for student and staff use of technology.

Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Experience & Other Qualifications:

Knowledge of effective instructional practices in literacy and differentiation strategies for English Language Learners.

Has an understanding and appreciation for diversity, and knows culturally competent instruction.

Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning.

Background knowledge of understanding by design (UBD).

Knowledge of blended learning, personalized learning, presentation and collaboration tools.

Self-directed learner with strong problem solving capabilities with capacity to learn independently.

Effective coaching, collaboration, communication and interpersonal skills. Desire to receive and respond to feedback.

Strong understanding and experience using Google Apps and other web 2.0 software applications.

Strong understanding and experience using Chrome Web browser, Chrome Apps and Chromebooks.

Strong understanding of digital tools, including student digital portfolios, used in the classroom.

Proven ability to effectively:

Motivate oneself towards high levels of achievement.

Plan, coordinate and document projects.

Research, evaluate and communicate information to a variety of audiences.

Prioritize and schedule responsibilities for oneself, managing multiple priorities.

Build and maintain relationships with school leadership and teaching staff.

Evaluate non-traditional instructional programs—especially online and computer based.

Evaluate online curricular programs and software.

Facilitate user groups, focus groups, needs assessment meetings, and project teams.

Communicate clearly (both written and oral).

Prepare reports, professional correspondences and procedural guides and manuals

Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Education, or related field.  Colorado teaching certification in secondary Social Studies or English preferred.

Master’s degree preferred in Educational Technology, Literacy, or English Language Acquisition.

English Language Acquisition qualification preferred.

Currently hold a Colorado teaching license with appropriate endorsement and have at least 3 years of teaching experience in a K-12 classroom, preferably in an urban environment. 

Demonstrated ability to effectively integrate technology in a K-12 setting.

Experience effectively managing a 21st Century learning environment and positively impacting student achievement.

Experience working with adult learners and providing differentiated professional development opportunities.

About Denver Public Schools:

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation.  DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.  

Under the leadership of Superintendent Tom Boasberg and guided by the tenets of The Denver Plan, DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth.  Learn more at dpsk12.org.  

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.