Summary: The Foundational Literacy Specialist is responsible for building the capacity of K-6 teachers and supporting student learning in the area of reading literacy through instructional and facilitative coaching methods, providing professional development, and facilitating student interventions with the goal of advancement of teacher practices and student learning within foundational reading literacy.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:. Responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to the following:

• Providing information and training to teachers in a variety of settings (e.g., whole group staff development, grade level meetings, one-on-one)
• Supporting teachers in implementation of new skills through co-planning, modeling, co-teaching, and reflective coaching
• Observing new and experienced teachers in the classroom during the reading instructional tiers to provide specific one-on-one feedback regarding evidence-based practices to individual teachers during the coaching conferencing process
• Assisting in planning and implementation of a 120-minute literacy block (90-minute core with a 30-minute intervention period) with an emphasis on phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, in addition to oral and written language
• Facilitating professional learning opportunities related to core and intervention programs to support instruction
• Providing small group and/or one on one interventions to students in the area of reading
• Administering formative and summative assessments to students to monitor progress and inform learning outcomes
• Engaging in reading data conversations with teachers and assist in goal setting, data/evidence collection and analysis, instruction, and assessment
• Collaborate with school and district administration to co-develop school reading literacy plans and dissemination of data to support MOWR program expectations
• Meeting with the school administration and leadership team on a regular basis to examine school data and assist in school-wide planning and implementation of meaningful literacy professional learning opportunities
• Align efforts to the school’s mission, vision, and literacy plan as they coincide with current reading research
• Staying informed of latest reading research and continuing to strengthen personal practices through professional development opportunities
• Maintaining confidentiality to build trustful and respectful relationships, a high level of ethical behavior, and confidentiality
• Other duties as assigned

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

 

• Strong foundational understanding of effective practices to support learning foundational literacy skills
• Strong understanding of the science of reading, phonemic awareness, and the continuum of phonics
• Proven track record of increasing student achievement
• Effective use of data to make informed decisions that influence successful student learning outcomes
• Strong organizational skills that are detail-oriented
• Instructional expertise demonstrated through model teaching, team teaching, workshop facilitation/presentations and student achievement gains
• Strong communication skills, verbally and in writing

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with MTSS or RTI frameworks  
• A minimum five years successful teaching experience within grades pre-K - 6
• A minimum of two years of experience with mentoring and/or coaching teachers
• Previous experience facilitating professional development
• Elementary Teaching Certification and a Reading Specialist endorsement are required.