Literacy Specialist

About the role

The Literacy Specialist offers technical leadership and support for a range of initiatives pertaining to literacy programming in alignment with CELL’s science of reading and Indiana’s priorities for literacy with K12 schools, teachers, and higher education institutions.

Responsibilities

• Support the efforts of schools, higher education partners, and State government related to improving reading proficiency for all students.
• Support the leadership and execution of CELL’s literacy programs.
• Develop and lead professional development for various audiences on a variety of literacy-specific topics, focused on the science of reading.
• Establish new partnerships and / or continue existing partnerships.
• Co-develop partnership scopes of work.
• Maintain on-time deliverables established in partnership scopes of work.
• Engage in the development of professional learning opportunities using academic science of reading, learning sciences and neuroscience studies.
• Remain abreast on policy changes and curricular requirements related to literacy in Indiana.
• Visit schools across Indiana for the purpose of program evaluation and monitoring; some travel is required.
• Effectively communicate with CELL leadership staff and forecast programmatic barriers to success.
• Frequent travel within Indiana required.
• Follow the guidance and direction of supervisor(s).
• Demonstrate respectful, ethical, responsible behavior.
• Abside by the University’s policies, procedures, and rules.
• Perform employee responsibilities as detailed in employee handbooks and policies.
• Strive for regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience as a classroom teacher, delivering reading instruction.
• Possess a practical and theoretical understanding of the science of reading research as it relates to school-based reading programs.
• Licenses/Certifications/Credentials: reading specialist or other literacy credential preferred, but not required. A graduate degree in education, reading/literacy, cognitive/learning sciences, or related fields is strongly preferred.
• Experience as a teacher preparation instructor, a literacy coach, or professional development leader is preferred.
• Experience as a school administrator is preferred, but not required.

Skills

• An understanding and agreement with the science of reading, as defined as the preponderance of evidence to inform educators about how proficient reading and writing abilities are developed; explaining why some students have difficulty acquiring basic literacy skills; and how to most effectively assess and improve student outcomes through interventions for reading difficulties.
• A deep, practical understanding of phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension instructional and assessment practices.
• Experience examining and reviewing research-based principles associated with literacy development.
• Effective project management skills and experience.
• Prior experience in teacher leadership or other leadership roles.
• A working understanding of typical public-school policies, rules and norms.

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Tuition Discount
Retail Savings Plan - 403B
Paid Vacation and Sick Time Accruals
Paid Holiday time and additional University days off
Employee Discounts & Services
Free Parking
Onsite Health & Wellness Center