Academic Coach

Job Description

Job Title: Academic Coach
Location: Spiritus Sanctus Academy
Employment Type: Part-Time (20-25 hours/week), with potential for full-time based on skill set and school needs
Reports To: Principal or Director of Academic Support

Job Summary:

The Academic Coach at Spiritus Sanctus supports students in achieving academic success while fostering their spiritual and personal growth in alignment with the school's Catholic mission. The Academic Coach works collaboratively with teachers, and administrators to provide academic support to students, helping them develop study skills, and promote a love of learning rooted in faith and values. This role involves assessing student needs, designing intervention strategies, and supporting a holistic educational experience that nurtures the whole person-mind, body, and soul. Key Responsibilities:

Student Support:
• Provide one-on-one and small-group coaching to students, focusing on academic skill development, time management, organization, and study strategies.
• Identify students' academic strengths and challenges through assessments, teacher feedback, and observation.
• Implement learning plans to address academic needs and promote growth.
• Support students with diverse learning needs, including those with learning differences or requiring accommodations.
• Foster a growth mindset and encourage resilience, self-advocacy, and confidence in students.

Collaboration:
• Partner with classroom teachers to align coaching strategies with curriculum goals and classroom instruction.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians to provide updates on student progress and recommend at-home support strategies.
• Collaborate with school administrator and teachers to address academic, behavioral, or social-emotional concerns.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences, and Academic success meetings and discussions as needed.

Faith-Based Integration:
• Incorporate Catholic values, such as virtue, integrity, and service, into coaching practices.
• Encourage students to connect their academic efforts with their spiritual development and the school's mission.
• Support students in living out the school's commitment to faith, community, and moral responsibility.

Program Development:
• Design and lead workshops or group sessions on study skills, test preparation, and academic goal-setting.
• Contribute to the development of school-wide academic support programs, such as peer tutoring or after-school study sessions.
• Stay informed about best practices in academic coaching and differentiated instruction.

Data and Progress Monitoring:
• Track and evaluate student progress through qualitative and quantitative measures (e.g., grades, teacher feedback, skill mastery).
• Maintain accurate records of coaching sessions, interventions, and outcomes.
• Provide regular reports to school leadership on the effectiveness of academic coaching initiatives.

Qualifications:
• Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field
• Experience in academic coaching, tutoring, or teaching, preferably in a Catholic K-12 setting.
• Knowledge of learning disabilities, differentiated instruction, and academic intervention strategies.

Skills and Abilities:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with students, parents, and staff.
• Ability to assess student needs and tailor instructional strategies accordingly.
• Proficiency in data analysis to monitor student progress and program effectiveness.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple students and priorities effectively.

Faith and Mission Alignment:
• Active commitment to the Catholic faith and the mission of Catholic education.
• Ability to model Catholic values and integrate faith into academic support practices.
• Willingness to participate in school liturgies, prayer services, and community events.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Teaching certification or licensure in education or a related field.
• Experience working in a Catholic or faith-based school environment.
• Familiarity with educational technology tools (e.g., learning management systems, academic software).

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to sit, stand, and move around the school environment for extended periods.
• Capacity to carry or transport teaching materials (up to 20 pounds).

Work Environment:
• The Academic Coach works primarily in a school setting, including classrooms, small group rooms, or designated coaching spaces.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for parent meetings, school events, or professional development.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Sr. Maria Faustina Showalter, OP srmariafaustina@spiritussanctus.org In the cover letter, please address how your skills and faith align with the mission of Spiritus Sanctus Academy.

About the Employer

Spiritus Sanctus Academies are private Catholic K-8 schools in the Ann Arbor and Plymouth areas of Southeast Michigan. The private Catholic schools have been administrated by Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist and staffed by Priests, Religious and laity for over 10 years.

While placing a priority on Catholic faith development, the Spiritus Sanctus Academies are committed to academic excellence that offers each student opportunities for challenges and successes.

In partnership with its families, the Academies strive to provide a well-rounded Catholic school education for our students rooted in the truths of the faith and the educational scholarship needed to prosper in the worldwide community of the new millennium.