K-4 Literacy Specialist (2026-2027)

Job Summary

The K–4 Literacy Specialist plays a critical role in supporting high-quality literacy instruction and ensuring that all students build strong foundational reading skills. This position provides Tier 1 professional development and coaching to teachers and staff grounded in the science of reading. The Literacy Specialist also leads Tier 3 intervention processes by identifying students in need of intensive support through universal screeners and diagnostic assessments, designing targeted intervention plans, delivering small-group instruction tailored to specific skill deficits, and monitoring student progress. The specialist collaborates closely with classroom teachers, interventionists, and school leadership to ensure data-driven decision-making and effective instructional practices that promote reading success for all DECA PREP students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Reading/Literacy, or related field
• Valid teaching license (K–5 or K–3 preferred)
• Demonstrated knowledge of the science of reading, structured literacy practices, and evidence-based reading instruction
• Experience using universal screeners, diagnostic assessments, and progress-monitoring tools (e.g., Acadience/DIBELS, MAP Reading, etc.)
• Minimum 3 years of successful classroom teaching experience, preferably in early literacy
• Strong ability to analyze data and make instructional decisions
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with teachers, students, and families
• Strong ability to deliver professional development and coaching to adult learners

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Reading/Literacy or completion of a Reading Endorsement
• Experience providing Tier 2 or Tier 3 reading interventions
• Training or certification in LETRS, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or another structured literacy program
• Experience working in an urban school environment

Duties/Essential Functions

• Tier 1 Support & Professional Development: Support the design and delivery schoolwide literacy professional development focused on the science of reading, structured literacy, and effective early reading instruction
• Assessment & Data Analysis: Coordinate and administer universal screeners and diagnostic literacy assessments for all K–4 students. Analyze assessment data to identify Tier 3 students and specific areas of skill deficiency. Maintain clear documentation of student progress, intervention plans, and exit criteria. Support teachers in interpreting assessment results to inform Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction
• Tier 3 Intervention: Develop individualized or small-group intervention plans aligned to student skill gaps. Deliver intensive, evidence-based small-group instruction using structured literacy approaches. Conduct ongoing progress monitoring to evaluate intervention effectiveness. Adjust intervention frequency, grouping, or instructional approaches based on data. Determine when students have met exit criteria and transition them out of intervention services. Communicate regularly with classroom teachers and families regarding student goals, progress, and next steps. Coordinate Reading Improvement Plans from identification through exit
• Collaboration & Schoolwide Support: Work closely with teachers, administrators, and interventionists to ensure a coherent and aligned literacy support system. Participate in MTSS meetings and assist with schoolwide data analysis. Contribute to schoolwide literacy initiatives, events, and family engagement activities. Stay current on literacy research, curriculum updates, and best practices in early reading instruction. Develop rapport and maintain the confidence of parents and students. Serve as a role model for students. Demonstrate responsibility, citizenship, respect, and courtesy

Terms Of Employment

• 195 days
• Salary to be determined based on experience and education level
• All staff members are issued one-year contracts

Working Environment

• Stand, walk, sit, talk, and/or hear
• Reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Physical Demands

• Close vision, distance vision, and depth perception

Additional Working Conditions

• Possible exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue
• Occasional operation of a motor vehicle to transport students