Language Arts and Literacy Specialist - MS - Language Arts Office

License and Certification Qualifications

Eligible for Georgia teacher certification in one or more of the following teaching fields: 1) Secondary (6-12) English; 2) Middle Grades (4-8) Language Arts; and 3) Early Childhood Education (P-5). ESOL endorsement, Dyslexia endorsement, and Coaching endorsement preferred.

Education Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field required. Master's degree in related field preferred.

Experience Qualifications

Three years of successful teaching experience with emphasis in language arts preferred. Experience developing and leading professional learning opportunities and experience leading Collaborative Learning Teams preferred.

Skills Qualifications

• Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks/projects concurrently
• Ability to create and deliver professional learning that supports the direction of the language arts program and that supports the vision, mission, and goals of the district
• Strong communication skills, both in oral and written format
• Strong technology skills, including Google and Microsoft programs
• Knowledge and application of research-based instructional strategies in literacy instruction
• Knowledge of Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum with in-depth knowledge of literacy
• Knowledge of techniques for integrating curriculum, GCPS policies, and effective instructional practices
• Able to work successfully with colleagues
• Able to project and generate a positive attitude
• Able to effect change

Primary Responsibilities

• Support, develop, and coach language teachers on content knowledge and skills for effective teaching and learning
• Collect and effectively analyze local school data to plan and monitor support to impact student outcomes (student achievement data, implementation data, CLT data)
• Work with the Director to prioritize the needs of the school to create time-bound goals and determine appropriate actions aligned to the school support plan
• Support Collaborative Learning Teams (CLT) through effective planning, facilitation, and/or co-facilitation to build the capacity of the CLT leaders
• Engage in planning practices for CLTs with teacher leaders and incorporate effective structures (e.g., agenda, team agreements, and protocols)
• Deepen teachers' understanding of the AKS
• Use assessment data and student work to inform instructional decisions and differentiation
• Leverage pacing guides and district resources to provide High-Quality Tier 1 Instruction aligned to the AKS
• Model and provide support for High-Quality Tier 1 Instruction during CLT time to prepare teachers for delivery of instruction
• Debrief on instructional implementation within CLTs to use evidence and feedback for continuous improvement
• Engage in differentiated coaching cycles to reduce instructional variability and promote equitable access to High-Quality Tier 1 Instruction, using evidence-based coaching strategies
• Use data to drive coaching cycles, determine student outcomes and teacher practice goals, co-plan and model instructional moves, implement and observe to collect evidence, provide affirmative and corrective feedback, and reflect on implementation to determine next steps
• Partner and support instructional leaders for High-Quality Tier 1 Instruction implementation
• Conduct regular Learning Walks
• Facilitate debrief conversations to celebrate strengths, identify areas of focus for support, and determine appropriate next steps
• Provide high-quality professional learning aligned to local school needs
• Develop, provide, and/or support just-in-time professional learning aligned to the LSPI
• Support teachers with transfer of the learning into practice through CLT support and coaching cycles
• Demonstrate content knowledge and professional growth
• Engage in continual learning to deepen content and pedagogical knowledge in language arts and literacy (e.g., current and emerging trends)
• Build and maintain trust and rapport through consistent, supportive communication and active listening with teachers and leaders
• Provide effective communication regarding school support and progress toward identified goals to key stakeholders (e.g., CST, LA Director, Principal, Assistant Principals)
• Share weekly progress updates that highlight key actions and outcomes
• Collect and report accurate data on implementation and student achievement
• Ensure coherence with the Language Arts Office
• Serve as a collaborative teammate