Description

About the Program

Summer Rise is a summer learning initiative of the Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation. This program is designed to support Knox County students in overcoming summer learning loss while strengthening essential literacy and math skills. Together, we create a summer experience where students can grow as learners, build confidence, and reconnect with the joy of learning.

Summer Rise provides rising 1st through 8th grade students with structured instruction in literacy and math using Lavinia’s curriculum, grounded in the science of reading. Operating across locations in Knoxville, Summer Rise offers a high-impact academic experience.

Position Summary

Each Academic Coordinator (AC) will oversee one Summer Rise site, supporting a team of teachers (one per grade, rising 1st through 8th). ACs are responsible for ensuring high-quality instruction, coaching teachers, managing academic materials, monitoring student progress, and stepping in as a substitute teacher when needed. This role is ideal for a mission-driven instructional leader with a passion for student learning.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Support

• Provide daily on-site academic leadership for six classroom teachers.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and offer real-time, actionable coaching.
• Ensure fidelity to Lavinia’s curriculum and promote high-quality instructional practices.
• Assist teachers with lesson planning and instructional decision-making.

Instructional Materials & Classroom Readiness

• Ensure teachers have all necessary copies, materials, and curriculum resources on time.
• Coordinate with Thrive staff to organize, distribute, and restock instructional supplies.
• Proactively address any gaps in resources or materials.

Assessment & Data

• Oversee administration of pre- and post-assessments at your site.
• Analyze student performance data to guide instructional support and adjustments.
• Monitor academic progress and communicate trends with program leadership.

Professional Development

• Participate and support Lavinia onboarding and ongoing professional development.
• Facilitate weekly professional development and team meetings throughout the program.
• Provide individualized coaching and instructional support as needed.

Collaboration & Communication

• Meet weekly with your Site Director (30-minute check-in) to align on site priorities.
• Meet weekly with your teaching team to build culture and support best practice.
• Serve as the instructional lead and main academic resource at your site.

Substitute Teaching

• Step in as a substitute teacher when a classroom teacher is absent.
• Ensure continuity of instruction and uphold classroom expectations and routines.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Valid teaching license strongly preferred
• Minimum 3 years of K–5 classroom experience; instructional coaching or leadership preferred
• Strong grasp of the science of reading and structured math instruction
• Strong knowledge of proactive behavior management strategies, including clear expectations, routines, and consistent reinforcement systems
• Experience coaching or mentoring peers in behavior management strategies to ensure consistent expectations across classrooms or program settings
• Ability to take initiative in supporting instructional goals, program implementation, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Skilled in classroom observation, feedback, and data-driven coaching
• Organized, proactive, and solution-oriented