Secondary Inquiry Coordinator (Grades 6-12) 25/26 SY - Indianapolis Public Schools : Job Details

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS! At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you'll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students' lives. In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You'll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key-you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential. Together, we are Proving What's Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential. A TEACHING CAREER IN IPS OFFERS...Purpose and Impact:

• Students First: Teaching for IPS is a rewarding opportunity to support bright, curious students as they shape their futures. We hold ourselves to the highest expectations of excellence, focusing on students' holistic needs during their educational journey with us.
• Community: Working in a school means it is your home away from home, and you have a school family who supports you and leads with empathy and vision.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Grow Your Career: We offer professional development and career advancement opportunities, including dedicated mentorship programs for early career teachers.
• Generous Compensation: We're proud to offer the highest teacher starting pay in Indianapolis and one of the most competitive in the state, with teachers earning $53,460 - $94,000 depending on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Our teacher salaries are continually on the rise, as IPS regularly advocates for stronger teacher compensation.
• Access to Financial Benefits: Working in IPS makes it possible to benefit from federal programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF), helping reduce the financial burden of student loans.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access top-tier health plans covering medical, dental, and vision needs, plus IPS offers a private clinic for staff and their families through our partners at Ascension St. Vincent.
• Flexible Wellness Leave: Take the time you need to care for yourself and your family with our generous leave policies. Teachers receive 70 hours of sick leave in their first year (56 hours annually after) for illness, family, or mental health, plus three personal days, two floating holidays, and school breaks. Unlimited accumulated sick leave adds flexibility, supporting teachers' health and work-life balance.
• Incentivized Discounts through IPS Wellness Program: Opportunities to earn hundreds of dollars off your medical premium by participating in proactive and simple health screenings, plus discounted group fitness classes, health and fitness assessments, personal training, and more.

WHAT WE EXPECT... Commitment to Excellence:

• High Standards: Strive for the very best in all you do, maintaining high standards for yourself, your students, and your colleagues. Embrace lifelong learning and adapt to new teaching methods and challenges.
• Educational Equity: IPS is deeply committed to breaking down systemic inequities. We do this by walking the walk on new policies and practices, building diverse and inclusive classrooms and staff teams, and ensuring our environments are grounded in our values of respect, inclusivity, and educational equity.

Resilience and Passion:

• Dedication to Students: Put students at the heart of your work. Be passionate about their success and well-being.
• Adaptability: Handle adversity with resilience and flexibility. Be prepared for a dynamic work environment.

Professional Integrity:

• Ethical Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Act responsibly and respectfully toward all individuals, communicate with candor and care.
• Team Player: Be dependable, punctual, and collaborative, contributing positively to our supportive work environment.

JOIN US! Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it's a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What's Possible - in your career and in your school. If you're ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you. SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The Inquiry Coordinator provides leadership, support, and coordination for Inquiry-Based Programs across secondary Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) focused on International Baccalaureate teaching methods. This position ensures program alignment, curriculum fidelity, and professional development for school leaders and educators. The Inquiry Coordinator reports to the Director of School Programs and collaborates with school principals, teachers, and district leaders to promote rigorous, student-centered learning. QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in education, curriculum development, or a related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of teaching experience in an inquiry-based program.
• Experience in curriculum development, instructional coaching, or school leadership.
• Strong background in data-driven decision-making, teacher training, and program evaluation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Program Leadership & Alignment

• Support the implementation and alignment of inquiry-based programs across IPS schools.
• Ensure curriculum and instructional practices align with IPS policies, state standards, and inquiry-based education philosophies.
• Lead professional learning communities (PLCs) and facilitate collaboration among educators.
• Serve as the primary liaison between secondary inquiry-based programs and district leadership.
• Ensure proper certification of staff in inquiry-based programs.
• Ensure proper certification for schools offering inquiry-based programming.

\ Curriculum & Instructional Support

• Guide the design, review, and implementation of inquiry-based curricula, ensuring vertical and horizontal alignment across grade levels.
• Work with teachers and administrators to integrate authentic inquiry-driven instruction into daily classroom practices.
• Support the development of standards-based pacing guides, instructional materials, and assessments.
• Mentor and coach educators to ensure high-quality program implementation.

Professional Development & Training

• Plan and deliver professional development sessions for educators and school leaders on best practices in IB education.
• Support new and transitioning educators in inquiry-based teaching methodologies.
• Partner with external organizations to ensure effective training and certification for program staff.

Data Analysis & Program Evaluation

• Monitor student achievement data, instructional effectiveness, and program impact.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide feedback to educators.
• Develop reports and recommendations to enhance program effectiveness and inform district decision-making.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Collaborate with district leadership, school administrators, teachers, and families to promote understanding and advocacy for inquiry-based learning.
• Support student recruitment efforts, ensuring equitable access to specialized programs.
• Represent IPS inquiry-based programs at community events, parent meetings, and district planning sessions.

Core Skills & Competencies:

• Instructional Leadership - Expertise in inquiry-based education and curriculum alignment.
• Communication & Collaboration - Ability to engage educators, school leaders, and families effectively.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Strong analytical skills to assess program effectiveness and drive improvements.
• Adaptability & Innovation - Ability to manage multiple projects and adjust to evolving priorities.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Travel between school sites may be required.
• The role includes leading professional development, classroom observations, and collaborative meetings.
• The physical demands include regular use of hands and occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds. Vision requirements include the ability to adjust focus for both close and distant vision.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None. LANGUAGE SKILLS : Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. REASONING ABILITY : Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: M ust hold a valid Indiana State Teacher's License in Elementary Education (K-6). Must be deemed Highly Qualified in accordance with the Indiana Department of Education PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to find, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. DISCLAIMER: The above job description is designed to denote the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job.