POSITION TITLE: K-3 Literacy Specialist
JOB STATUS: OPEN
POSTING DATE: 04/27/2021
DEADLINE DATE: Applications will be screened upon receipt and interviews of candidates who meet the qualifications above conducted as soon as possible, with selection to follow soon thereafter.

POSTING NUMBER: 002224
NATURE OF POSITION:
Under the supervision of the Director of Curriculum, the K-3 Literacy Specialist provides and leads literacy instruction and assessment, district-wide, through a combination of intervention, coaching and coordinating support staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The K-3 Literacy Specialist will:

• Monitor the instructional program provided by English/language arts classroom teachers and provide ongoing professional learning support and coaching to help teachers improve performance and achieve literacy-related objectives
• Support teachers in ensuring the alignment of their lesson plans and instruction to the appropriate Virginia Standards of Learning and the Curriculum Framework
• Provide intense coaching on the alignment on the written, taught, and tested curriculum
• Facilitate teachers' use of high-impact, evidence-based instructional strategies, including differentiated instruction for diverse learners
• Stay abreast of the latest English/language arts research, innovations, program trends, and methodologies and implement new strategies as appropriate for the school's student population
• Work with new teachers to ensure they have materials and competencies necessary for success
• Observe classroom English/language arts instruction regularly and provide follow-up consultation and written non-evaluative feedback to teachers and administrators
• Analyze and use student performance data to identify and respond to the literacy-related professional learning needs of teachers
• Coordinate the gathering, selecting, and analysis of data with respect to the program area
• Assist the Coordinator II - Curriculum and Instruction (English/Language Arts) in identifying district strengths and areas for improvement in English/language arts and recommend responses that maximize student achievement in reading and literacy development
• Take initiative and proactively identify opportunities to strengthen one's team and organization
• Work well in a fast-paced environment; demonstrate flexibility and adaptability with a sense of urgency and zeal for ensuring that all students in the school meet grade level expectations (at a minimum) in English/language arts and attain the foundational literacy skills that lead to college, career and civic readiness
• Model professionalism, engage in reflection, self-led continuous improvement, seek out feedback and provide constructive feedback to colleagues
• Perform other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Current knowledge of research and effective practices in the areas of literacy development, literacy instruction, assessment, and professional development. Ability to provide intense coaching to teachers and school-based Literacy Specialists on the alignment of the written, taught, and tested curriculum. Ability to provide district-level leadership regarding curriculum, pacing, and resources to support classroom instruction with a deep understanding of the progression of the knowledge, skills, and processes of education as defined in the Virginia Standards of Learning. Ability to analyze data at the student, class, and school levels and be able to help teachers use this data to tailor their instruction and ultimately increase academic performance. Comprehensive knowledge of child growth and development, large and small group instructional strategies, and the theory and pedagogy related to literacy instruction. Ability to train teachers in the dimensions of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics/word study, vocabulary development, fluency, and comprehension. Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible, responsive work style. Demonstrated ability to observe and evaluate teaching practices. Ability to relate easily to teachers and administrators and to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of groups. Excellent oral and written communication and collaboration skills. Excellent presentation skills. Knowledge of theories related to the adult learner. Ability to observe and assess the transfer of training and learning into practice. Superior organizational skills. Ability to problem-solve independently. Proficient in the use of technology.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
Valid Teaching License required. Reading Specialist endorsement or English endorsement and willingness to participate in the LETRS training program. Minimum five years of successful teaching experience with at least three years of teaching reading or English/language arts at the appropriate grade level span. Experience working in diverse settings. Experience coaching and collaborating with teachers. Experience planning for and facilitating professional development workshops for teachers. Familiarity and experience with reading and writing workshops and small group guided and strategy instruction in reading and writing. Extensive experience with innovative teaching techniques, instructional materials, and current trends in English/reading

START DATE: As soon as possible after selection
SALARY / STIPEND: Salary Range: $67,933 - $98,503 annually, depending on experience and advanced degrees. Danville School Board pays the employee cost, in full, for state-mandated life insurance; and in part for state retirement and health insurance. Other benefits - sick, personal, and annual (vacation) leave.
TO APPLY: Complete a Danville Public Schools online application for "Licensed" positions. Follow all instructions on the DPS "Employment Opportunities" page to apply for this specific position