The Center for the Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia seeks applicants for a coach for elementary teachers. The incumbent will become part of a vibrant team of faculty, students, and staff conducting research on active playful learning in Virginia elementary schools. Specifically, the Active Playful Learning (APL) Coach will work with the University of Virginia, a subrecipient of a LEGO Foundation grant, to support the goals of the project measuring the impact of Active Playful Learning in classrooms across the U.S. This role will include both on-site work in Loudoun Co, VA elementary schools, as well as remote work. 

This role will include both on-site work in Northern Virginia elementary schools (within a 1 hour drive of Leesburg VA.), as well as remote work. Please note that Loudoun County Public School employees will not be considered for this position.

Duties Include:

As an APL coach, you will collaborate with other APL coaches to provide support for elementary school teachers in Loudoun Co. Public Elementary Schools through whole staff training, grade-level meetings, classroom observations, and individual coaching sessions to support teachers as they implement the Active Playful Learning framework in their classrooms.

APL coaches will lead monthly workshop sessions during grade-level meetings, as well as support a subset of teachers through observations and coaching sessions on a bi-weekly basis.

The APL coach will also regularly collect data and support research efforts on the implementation of APL in classrooms.

APL coaches will also support district coaches in future years of the project through leading professional development and helping APL achieve project outcomes.

APL coaches will be a member of the University of Virginia research team and work under the direct supervision of Dr. Burchinal, with additional direction and support from Dr. Hofkens at RAND.

Role and Responsibilities

Conduct bi-weekly classroom observations with up to 15 teachers in elementary schools in the Loudoun Co. school district.

Conduct bi-weekly practice-based coaching sessions with teachers that include:

Creating effective coaching agreements and schedules.

Co-designing goals and action plans that integrate and expand new learning based on the pillars and practices of the Active Playful Learning framework.

Documenting teachers’ progress toward their APL goal with coaching logs, surveys, observation notes, and other data collection duties with strong attention to detail.

Facilitating reflection on teaching practices and providing prompt feedback to teachers, assisting them with resources, materials, tools, and identification of best practices.

Providing support for classroom management strategies and culturally responsive approaches.

Build and maintain strong positive relationships with teachers, administrators, and other coaches and researchers.

Ensure timely completion of research tasks, maintain accurate records and schedules, and communicate relevant updates to team members.

Work effectively with adult learners, including providing encouragement and emotional support to teachers, skillfully offering constructive feedback to facilitate change, and demonstrating flexibility, openness, and willingness to implement new ideas.

Work as part of a team at the University of Virginia, and collaborate and partner, as needed, with the national APL team, and the RAND research partners.

Work in partnership with participants without judgment or bias, recognizing and respecting individual differences and backgrounds.

Engage in ongoing professional development and training with the national APL team to bring evidence-based practices to coaching activities.

Attend a summer multi-day professional development workshop (travel & accommodation will be provided) to learn the APL approach.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Master's degree or a demonstrated mastery in their specialty area normally signified by significant equivalent experience.

Experience: At least five years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong preference will be given to candidates who can commit to this position for the full 2-year term.

Currently certified to teach Kindergarten and/or Grade 1-3 in this state

Master’s degree in early childhood education, education or related field

At least five years of experience teaching Kindergarten and/or Grade 1-3.

Experience with teaching elementary mathematics and/or with elementary mathematics curriculum.

Experience in instructional coaching or related role preferred.

Experience in development, preparation, and presentation of professional development preferred.

Physical Demands

This job requires reliable transportation. We anticipate the successful candidate will regularly visit schools in Loudoun Co. Public Elementary Schools to conduct observations and coaching sessions with up to 15 teachers. The job involves occasional travel to Charlottesville to meet with the research team. Transportation costs will be reimbursed.

Compensation Information

This is full-time position with an anticipated range of $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with education and experience, includes UVA benefits.

Expected Start Date: June 30 2025.

Application Instructions: Apply Now. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile, search Find Jobs and then R0071410. Complete an application online and include the following documents:

CV or Resume

Cover letter is optional but strongly preferred.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

The position will remain open until filled. This position is a non-exempt level, benefitted position. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. This restricted position is a 12-month appointment, and continuation is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. 

For additional information about the position, please contact Jen Rofman (jr4kc@virginia.edu). For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physicians Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experience.  We are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.