Literacy Coach (Part-Time)

Location: Teaching and Learning Department
Close date: Open until filled

About the role

Literacy Coaches work with teachers and administrators under the direction of the Elementary ELA Supervisor and Teaching & Learning Directors. Their purpose is to implement best instructional practices in Tier 1 through coaching that align with Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading research. Literacy Coaches need to possess the capacity and desire to effectively lead change initiatives, advise administrators, and provide job-embedded coaching and professional development at the school level. This is a teacher contract, and Literacy Coaches will work at their assigned schools for the year.

This is a part-time position, 4 hours a day for 185 days, following Educator Salary Table One.

Responsibilities

• Engage in instructional coaching cycles (pre-conference, model, coteach, debrief, plan next steps) with educators to build capacity for improved classroom instructional practices.
• Use principles of adult learning to effectively partner with educators to integrate professional learning into classroom practice.
• Leverage knowledge of the science of reading research and evidence-based Structured Literacy practices to support educators in maximizing student learning.
• Partner with school leaders to support school and state-wide goals in instructional plans and practice.
• Deliver consistent and frequent job-embedded professional learning school-wide, to individual grade levels, and as part of the coaching cycle.
• Actively engage in professional learning to deepen knowledge and skills for coaching, including developing trust with educators, vulnerability to feedback, empathy toward the educator experience, learning how to avoid shaming while coaching, and understanding how to meet teachers where they are and take iterative steps forward.
• Design and facilitate relevant and cohesive professional learning sessions to strengthen the implementation of evidence-based practices with educators.
• Work closely with the ELA Supervisor & Assessment Literacy Specialist to ensure alignment of thinking and implementation across the district.
• Attend Literacy Coaching Management Team (LCMT) meetings as available to lend thinking and support around Tier 1 practices; suggestions for interventions may also be offered.
• Establish parameters for the relationship between a literacy coach and school, ensuring coaches do not engage in activities unrelated to literacy coaching, including serving as an evaluator, substitute teacher, clerical aid, recess or lunch aid, behavioral therapist, tester, guidance counselor, interventionist, program manager, or contest leader.

Requirements

• Current Teaching License
• Five years of demonstrated experience as an effective classroom teacher
• In-depth knowledge of Science of Reading assessment and instructional methods
• Willingness and vulnerability to learn best coaching practices, including communication skills (crucial conversations in a psychologically safe environment, warmth, accepting and giving feedback, generosity with self and others, and flexibility in thinking)
• Ability to shift between classroom, school, and district perspectives and needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Reading Endorsement Level 1 or 2
• Literacy Specialist Endorsement or willingness to obtain this endorsement