Teacher, TOSA Literacy Specialist - (2026-2027) - Literacy Instruction

About the role

MPS is seeking passionate educators eager to create the conditions for aggressive reading growth for K-5 students currently reading below grade level. The primary focus of the Literacy Specialist TOSA role is to support K-5 Literacy programming and instruction.

Responsibilities

• Support K-5 Literacy programming and instruction
• Coach teachers to make data-driven instructional decisions
• Provide tiered literacy instruction for all K-5 students
• Facilitate teams of teachers to use the MTSS Data Dives & Diagnostics Core Component to develop instructional plans responsive to student needs
• Support implementation of the new district-approved foundational skills curriculum
• Support teachers in the implementation of differentiated instructional strategies in literacy for grades K-5
• Support teachers in the development of cognitively demanding tasks to engage students individually and collectively in grades K-5 literacy
• Train, coach, and support teachers in implementing strategies that foster increased levels of thinking
• Actively identify and support high-level strategies that are culturally responsive and anti-racist to close opportunity gaps for marginalized communities within our schools

Requirements

• Deep understanding of K-5 instructional practices and early literacy
• Knowledge of assessment strategies, resources, and appropriately differentiated materials, curriculum, and instruction
• Experience in and knowledge of equity principles and cultural competencies of academic standards and the district's mission, goals, programs, and curriculum to support K-5 teachers and sites
• Knowledge of effective instruction
• Ability to support teacher’s ability to further analyze, communicate, model, and assess elements of the teaching process
• Knowledge of MN ELA Standards in grades K-5
• Knowledge of unique student populations such as EL, SPED, and Advanced Learners, in order to ensure all sub-groups show adequate academic growth
• Ability to collaborate with all adults in the building regarding instructional strategies for students
• Ability to establish and maintain trustful, confidential and supportive relationships with teachers to help develop them as professionals
• Ability to foster collegiality and community among teachers through professional development
• Knowledge of adult learning needs and processes and how to use coaching cycles to maximize growth
• Excellent interpersonal skills; excellent oral and written communication skills

Qualifications

• Valid Minnesota Teaching License
• Taken early literacy professional development, such as, FAST earlyReading certification, PRESS training, dyslexia training, and LETRS training
• A minimum of 5 years of classroom experience, preferably, but not required, in grades K-5
• Facilitated PD to adult learners