HOURS/FTE: This is a 1.0 FTE Teaching position as a Program Specialist at the Elementary Level, specializing in English Language Arts and Social Studies.

Elementary Literacy Program Specialist

ASSIGNMENT: The purpose of this position is to provide support for increasing teacher capacity through tiered instruction and intervention for grades PreK - 5 literacy. This specialist will work with Support Teams, school tiered intervention teams, and teachers to implement content-based best practice strategies to close the achievement gap and increase rigor in elementary classrooms. Additionally, this position will provide professional development on a variety of print and technology-based core and intervention resources. The essential duties and responsibilities will be to:

• Support the implementation and use of approved reading and writing core and intervention resources and assessments.
• Assist teachers to implement classroom instruction based upon data analysis and progress monitoring.
• Model the selection and use of a range of assessment tools as a means to make sound decisions about student ELA performance.
• Coach, consult and collaborate with teachers.
• Contribute to the School Improvement Process.
• Support the training of teachers in the use of specific reading and writing core and intervention resources, best practice instructional strategies and assessments.
• Serve as member of the instructional services team of the district; performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position as assigned.
• Coordinate special programs as needed and work collaboratively with special services to ensure a comprehensive and coherent continuum of services for students.
• Serve as a program spokesperson to staff, parents, and community members; serve as liaison among parents, teachers, patrons, students, and district administration as needed.
• Assist in the management of instructional resources including boxing and shipping resources to schools.
• Serve on a variety of committees and work on special projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's degree in a related field and completion of an accredited teacher training program as determined by the Washington State Department of Education.
   
2. Minimum of five years of successful certificated experience.
   
3. Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate.
   Allowable Substitution : Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training (as approved by the Superintendent) that would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work and to meet certification requirements.
   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Knowledge of district goals and initiatives, and a strong background in Science of Reading, and closing the achievement gap in reading and writing.
   
2. In-depth knowledge of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) K-5 and current standards issues.
   
3. Knowledge of and ability to use educational software and technology resources related to Excel, Word and data processing, telecommunication, the internet and technology integration in the classroom.
   
4. Demonstrated ability to analyze and use data to provide quality instruction.
   
5. Experience using core intervention resources and other instructional technology resources to meet the educational needs of students.
   
6. Experience using and training others to use current elementary literacy resources (core and supplemental).
   
7. Experience training others in research based reading instruction.
   
8. Demonstrated successful experience supporting resource implementation in a large school district.
   
9. Successful classroom teaching experience in grades K - 5.
   
10. Experience in planning and presenting professional development for teachers of grades PreK - 5.
    
11. Proven ability to collaborate with, mentor, and/or coach teachers who use varied learning/teaching styles.
    
12. Ability to be flexible, develop favorable relationships and work collaboratively with co-workers, administrators, parents, students and the community.
    
13. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    
14. Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage ideas, time and materials to accomplish goals and monitor multiple projects at a time.
    
    

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

1. The incumbent in this position collaborates with and supports central office administrators, principals and staff regarding literacy instruction, program development and the selection and distribution of appropriate supplies, materials, equipment, hardware, and software to support the program. Working with administrators, principals, department chairpersons, and staff is also required in the implementation of curriculum programs and instructional strategies. This specialist may also interact with parents, patrons, staff, and students through service on various committees to receive recommendations for the development and revision of related programs.