Job Summary : The Literacy Specialist will serve as a pivotal leader in advancing core literacy instruction within District 196. The primary focus will be on collaborating with the PreK-12 Literacy Coordinator to enhance core literacy instruction through the effective implementation of the district’s structured literacy core curriculum and Tier 1 interventions across elementary buildings. This position involves co-leading and supporting a team of district literacy coaches as well as coaching in one elementary school.


Qualifications :

• Current Minnesota elementary teaching license
• Minimum of 5 years of successful elementary teaching experience.
• Master’s degree in education, literacy, or a related field
• Training or certification in structured literacy (preferred)
• Experience in a leadership, supervisory, or coaching role (preferred)
• Experience in planning, facilitating, and leading professional development
• Experience in coaching and mentoring teachers
• Cognitive Coaching training or equivalent (preferred)
• Strong understanding of literacy assessment tools and data analysis
• Knowledge of current trends and research in literacy instruction
• Strong knowledge of Minnesota English-Language Arts Standards
• Understanding of the district’s learning and technology framework and use of Seesaw / Schoology within a 1:1 environment
• Commitment to equity and culturally responsive teaching
• Understanding of systems and organizational change, and experience in leading change
• Ability to collaborate with others in establishing a vision and ability to continually align efforts
• Ability to move back and forth between vision and detail work seamlessly
• Ability to meet timelines, provide direction to work teams, and to delegate appropriately
• Strong meeting facilitation skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal, organization, and communication skills
• Ability to work well with adult learners
• Ability to resolve conflicts with groups and individuals
• Strong initiative and high energy

Key Responsibilities :

Leadership, Supervision, and Coordination

• Provide strong leadership, guidance, and support to a team of literacy coaches; overseeing their activities and ensuring alignment in supporting core literacy instruction
• Conduct regular check-ins and observations, and provide feedback to support coaches in their professional growth and effectiveness.

Professional Development Coordination and Planning:

• Collaborate with the District Literacy Coordinator to design and implement professional development opportunities for the coaching team and classroom teachers
• Coordinate with external experts and organizations as needed
• Collaborates with Teaching and Learning Department colleagues to plan and provide aligned professional development and curriculum selection and implementation

Data-Driven Decision-Making:

• Analyze district literacy assessment data, using findings to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement in core instruction.
• Work closely with coaches to analyze school-level data, identifying trends, areas for improvement, and Tier 1 intervention needs.
• Collaborate with the district literacy coordinator, intervention specialist, and other district colleagues to ensure alignment between core curriculum, interventions, and structured literacy initiatives.

Collaboration with District Leadership:

• Collaborate with district leadership, to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to Tier 1 interventions and core literacy instruction.
• Participate in leadership meetings to provide updates on structured literacy initiatives, discuss challenges, and contribute to district-wide planning.
• Collaborates with colleagues within the Teaching and Learning Department in long and short term visioning and planning

Coaching, Mentoring, Modeling, and Problem-Solving:

• Provide ongoing, on-site coaching and mentoring to teachers, supporting the implementation of structured literacy practices in the classroom.
• Conduct classroom observations, provide constructive feedback, and assist teachers in refining instructional techniques to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Provide opportunities for teachers to observe the modeling of instruction, and co-teach in literacy as part of coaching when needed
• Problem-solve with teachers in making responsive instructional decisions regarding interventions and extensions to meet student needs.