Literacy Coach

Policies

Literacy Coach

LITERACY COACH

JOB GOAL

Responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing a comprehensive school wide literacy program which facilitates learning; for modeling of best practices lessons which use literacy-based learning strategies; for coaching teachers in all curriculum areas on how to enhance students’ literacy skills; for identifying staff development needs of the school and for providing staff development related to literacy as part of the problem solving process; and for working with school and community groups, such as the Leadership Team, Response to Intervention Team and learning communities, to help all students reach their highest potential.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1.      Valid Rhode Island Educator’s Certificate of PK-12 Reading Specialist/Consultant (Grades PK-12).

2.      Minimum of three years of successful K-12 classroom teaching experience.

3.      Successful experience in facilitating adult learning.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1.      Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Reading.

2.      Successful K-12 classroom teaching experience in the area of reading.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1.      Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills.

2.      Utilize effective data-based problem-solving skills.

3.      Demonstrate effective collaboration skills.

4.      Employ effective coaching skills.

5.      Coach teachers in effective instructional strategies in a variety of content areas.

6.      Use effective strategies for differentiating instruction.

7.      Exhibit knowledge of standards-based curriculum.

8.      Integrate technology in classroom instruction.

9.      Participate in workshops, seminars, conferences and/or advanced coursework which further advance knowledge of current trends in reading instruction.

**REPORTS TO: ** Building Principal

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1.      Encourage literacy and life-long learning.

2.      Maintain and promptly submitting accurate, complete, and correct records and reports as required by law, by grant regulations, by district policy, and by administrative directives.

3.      Facilitate or serve as a member on school literacy groups and committees.

4.      Establish rapport with faculty and staff.

5.      Work to promote productive relationships with and among school staff.

6.      Attend and participating in all required meetings.

7.      Uphold school rules, administrative regulations, and Board policies.

8.      Take all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, and facilities.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

1.      Create a literacy environment conducive to effective instruction.

2.      Facilitate instruction based on current reading/study/thinking research throughout the total instructional program.

3.      Demonstrate (model) reading/learning strategies in classrooms.

4.      Evaluate literacy needs within various subject areas and collaborate with teachers and administrators to interpret, use assessment data to improve instruction, and problem solve.

5.      Use assessment data to assist administrators with placement of students in appropriate instructional or intervention programs.

6.      Lead faculty in the selection and use of a range of assessment tools as a means to make sound decisions about student literacy needs as related to the curriculum and to instruction.

7.      Conduct regular meetings with classroom teachers to examine student work and monitor progress in order to support teacher reflection and action.

8.      Assist classroom teachers with analysis of formal and informal assessment data on their students to determine student response to instruction.

9.      Provide, upon request, individual diagnostic testing.

10.  Assist the school's curriculum personnel in planning for and implementing the accountability goals associated with the School Improvement Plan.

11.  Work with the school’s Leadership Team, Response to Intervention Team, and other constituent groups to determine the school’s strengths and needs for improvement in the area of literacy in order to improve students’ reading, writing, and communication skills and content area achievement.

12.  Assist teachers with planning, sequencing, and scaffolding of instruction.

13.  Participate in team reviews concerning academic progress of at-risk students who are not responding to interventions.

14.  Work with feeder pattern staff to assure articulation from elementary to middle and from middle to high school.

15.  Attend scheduled meetings and parent conferences.

16.  Assist the school's curriculum personnel in providing services to special populations

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1.      Provide in-service training and follow-up coaching to assist classroom teachers in the use of reading/learning strategies in their classrooms.

2.      Work with teachers individually, in collaborative teams, and/or with departments, providing practical support on a full range of reading, writing, and communication strategies.

3.      Observe and provide feedback to teachers on instruction related to literacy development and content area knowledge.

4.      Participate in district-level in-service meetings and assisting in the coordination of district level in-service offerings.

5.      Continue professional growth and strengthen professional teaching knowledge, skills, and strategies through an ongoing program of workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or advanced course work.

6.      Maintain a collection of professional and reading/learning materials related to reading and which reflect current research.

7.      Provide staff development for teachers, volunteers, parents, paraprofessionals, administrators, and other appropriate personnel as needed.

8.      Coordinate school-based professional development in reading aligned with the school’s after school professional development opportunities (during the 4 hours) and the District Professional Development Plan.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

1.  Interpret the school's reading/learning program for staff, parents, and members of the Community.

2.  Publicize the school's reading/learning program.

OTHER

1.  Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

·         At least 3 years of relevant experience preferred

·         Masters degree preferred

·         Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

1st Reading – April 15, 2010

2nd Reading – May 20, 2010