Build a Bench

The Build a Bench Project Fellow is a selected Lead Teacher or Instructional Coach participating in a professional learning and leadership development initiative designed to strengthen instructional capacity, coaching practices, and leadership pipelines within Bright Beginnings, Inc. Fellows will engage in structured coaching cycles, reflective practice, and targeted professional development to support high-quality early childhood education and sustainable program improvement. Purpose of the Role

The purpose of this fellowship is to:

• Build internal leadership capacity (“the bench”) across BBI sites
• Strengthen instructional quality using tools such as CLASS, ECERS-3, and ITERS-3
• Support consistent, high-quality teaching practices across classrooms
• Develop future instructional leaders and coaches within the organization

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Practice

• Model high-quality teaching practices aligned with developmentally appropriate practice (DAP)
• Implement and reflect on CLASS dimensions (e.g., Concept Development, Quality of Feedback, Language Modeling)
• Support effective classroom routines, transitions, and interactions
• Maintain safe, engaging, and well-organized learning environments

Coaching & Collaboration

• Participate in structured coaching cycles (goal setting, observation, feedback, reflection)
• Engage in peer observations and collaborative learning walks
• Provide support and mentorship to colleagues (as appropriate)
• Collaborate with instructional coaches and leadership teams to implement action plans

Professional Learning & Development

• Attend all required fellowship trainings, workshops, and meetings
• Actively participate in reflective discussions and group activities
• Apply new strategies and share outcomes with peers
• Maintain a growth mindset and commitment to continuous improvement

Data Use & Documentation

• Utilize observation tools (CLASS, ECERS-3, ITERS-3) to inform practice
• Track progress toward individual and programmatic goals
• Participate in data reflection sessions to improve outcomes
• Maintain required documentation related to coaching cycles and fellowship activities

Leadership Development

• Demonstrate leadership through initiative, accountability, and collaboration
• Support implementation of program-wide initiatives and best practices
• Serve as a model for professionalism and reflective practice
• Contribute to building a positive, team-oriented culture

Fellow Commitments

• Participate in all scheduled fellowship sessions and coaching cycles
• Implement agreed-upon action steps within designated timelines
• Engage in ongoing reflection and feedback processes
• Commit to the full duration of the Build a Bench Project

Qualifications

• Current Lead Teacher or Instructional Coach at Bright Beginnings, Inc.
• Experience in early childhood education settings
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn CLASS, ECERS-3, and/or ITERS-3
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and collaboration
• Strong communication and reflective practice skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior coaching or mentoring experience
• Experience supporting adult learners or facilitating professional development
• Demonstrated leadership within a classroom or program setting

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the fellowship, participants will:

• Demonstrate improved instructional practices aligned with CLASS and ERS tools
• Effectively engage in coaching cycles and reflective practice
• Contribute to measurable improvements in classroom quality
• Be prepared to take on expanded leadership or coaching roles within BBI

Supervision & Support

Fellows will receive ongoing support from:

• Instructional Coaches
• Site Leadership
• External Consultants/Project Facilitators (as applicable)

(Specific stipend amounts and payment schedules will be outlined separately.)