Lead, LIFT Reading

What You’ll Do

The Leadership and Instructional Foundations for Texas (LIFT) Reading Lead is responsible for managing the execution and continuous improvement of the LIFT observation cycle across a portfolio of district partners focused on elementary reading. This role ensures high-quality implementation of monthly classroom and professional learning community (PLC) observations, translates field data into actionable insights for system leaders, and strengthens the capacity of school-based teams to use observation and feedback data to improve instruction.

Responsibilities

• Lead Observation Execution & Project Management
• Owns execution of the monthly classroom and quarterly PLC observation cycle across assigned districts, ensuring all deliverables are completed on time and at high quality
• Manages a structured observation schedule across multiple schools per day, proactively adjusting plans to address operational constraints and partner needs
• Ensures accurate and timely entry of observation data into Instruction Partners and TEA systems, maintaining data integrity and completeness
• Identifies and escalates patterns, risks, or implementation breakdowns that may affect observation quality or consistency across sites
• Instructional Analysis & Capacity Building
• Conducts classroom and PLC observations using TEA-aligned tools, ensuring high inter-rater reliability and consistent application of observation protocols
• Leads structured hallway debriefs and reflective conversations with campus leaders and coaches, building their ability to independently identify instructional trends and coaching priorities
• Translates observation data into clear, actionable insights for school and system leaders, highlighting strengths, gaps, and system-wide instructional trends
• Facilitates end-of-cycle progress monitoring conversations with district leaders, supporting interpretation of data and next-step planning
• Cross-Functional Coordination & Implementation Support
• Collaborates with internal instructional leaders to ensure observation insights inform broader district strategy and improvement plans
• Participates in internal calibration and coordination meetings to ensure alignment with district action plans, instructional priorities, and organizational frameworks
• Contributes feedback on observation tools and processes to improve consistency, usability, and impact
• Professional Learning Facilitation & Coaching
• Facilitates targeted professional learning sessions for teachers and leaders as part of district-supported implementation plans
• Adapts facilitation approaches based on partner context while maintaining fidelity to Instruction Partners’ frameworks and TEA requirements
• Provides informal coaching and feedback to instructional coaches and school leaders to strengthen their observation and feedback practices
• Internalizes and prepares all session materials to ensure high-quality delivery and responsiveness to participant needs
• Systems, Compliance & Operational Excellence
• Completes all required TEA orientation, calibration, and compliance activities, including observation norming and research-based instructional strategies (RBIS) training
• Maintains accurate documentation of all observation, facilitation, and reporting activities in required systems
• Supports submission of required progress monitoring reports and ensures alignment with TEA expectations
• Completes all logistical and operational requirements tied to assigned district partnerships

Candidate Qualifications and Traits

• 5+ years of experience in education, including classroom teaching and instructional coaching or school-based leadership experience
• Instructional Mastery & Diagnostics: Strong instructional expertise in elementary reading, including foundational reading skills, with ability to apply structured observation tools to diagnose instruction
• Project Management & Execution: Demonstrated ability to manage complex, recurring field-based projects with high attention to detail and reliability
• Adult Learning & Facilitation: Experience facilitating adult learning and providing actionable feedback to educators or school leaders
• Data Synthesis & Strategic Insight: Ability to synthesize data and field observations into clear recommendations for improvement
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Adaptability: Strong collaboration skills across internal teams and external district partners, with comfort operating in structured but dynamic environments

Our Mission

We strengthen instructional leadership in schools, school systems, and states to ensure teachers have the support they need to improve learning experiences and learning outcomes for students— with attention to students of color, students experiencing poverty, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities.

Our Vision

All students experience an excellent education that prepares them to contribute to their community, achieve economic security, and pursue their dreams.