Reading Academy and Literacy Lead Specialist

Reading Academy and Literacy Lead Specialist

Curriculum and Instruction

Teacher/Professional - District Office - Curriculum and Instruction

Job Number

Start Date

Open Date 05/01/2026

Closing Date

The primary role of the Reading Academy and Literacy Lead Specialist is to work directly with the Director of Early Childhood and other Curriculum and Instruction Leadership Team members to provide leadership, collaboration, and coordination of all HB3 Reading Academies and district literacy initiatives. This specialist provides support for ongoing program implementation, ensuring that the content and program requirements of the Texas Reading Academies are delivered with fidelity.

The Lead Specialist will collaborate with district departments and campuses to advance overall teacher effectiveness and student achievement in literacy by providing professional learning, coaching, and coordination of evidence-based instructional practices aligned with Structured Literacy / the Science of Teaching Reading (STR).

• Valid Texas teacher's certificate for elementary
• Required TEA Cohort Leader Certification (must pass the Cohort Leader Screener and complete all training requirements within 6 months of employment)
• Master's degree from an accredited institution in curriculum and instruction, literacy or education leadership, preferred
• Mid-management or principal certification from an accredited institution, preferred

• Minimum of five years of successful classroom teaching experience in elementary education within general education, bilingual education or special education; experience working with at-risk students preferred
• Minimum of three years of successful leadership experience managing instructional projects and adult professional learning preferred

• In-depth knowledge of HB3 Texas Reading Academies content and the Science of Teaching Reading (STR)
• Expertise in early literacy instruction, including phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension aligned to the K?3rd grade ELAR and SLAR TEKS
• Ability to review, evaluate, and provide timely, actionable feedback on K?3rd grade teacher-developed artifacts in alignment with Reading Academies scoring rubrics
• Knowledge of formative and summative assessment practices and the ability to use student data to inform literacy instruction and intervention
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and the ability to facilitate professional learning that supports teacher growth and reflection
• Ability to coach and mentor educators using effective questioning, feedback, and modeling techniques
• Experience in the design, delivery, and evaluation of professional learning experiences that lead to improved instructional practices
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple cohorts, timelines, and reporting requirements
• Excellent oral, written, and digital communication skills, including comfort with online platforms and the Learning Management System (LMS) used in Reading Academies
• Effective collaboration and interpersonal skills to work with district staff, campus administrators, and TEA-authorized providers
• Demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to support educators in applying evidence-based reading practices
• Capable of providing leadership for a vision of comprehensive, evidence-based literacy education
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws/regulations pertaining to literacy and HB3 requirements

• INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT
• Apply research and data to improve the content, sequence, and results of teaching and learning in district early literacy programs.
• Ensure that the content and program requirements of the Texas Reading Academies are delivered with fidelity.
• Design, facilitate, and deliver professional learning for Reading Academies participants and provide feedback on draft artifacts.
• Conduct classroom observations and one-on-one coaching feedback sessions to support the application of Reading Academy content and STR practices in the classroom.
• Manage the TEA Learning Management System and provide technical assistance for participants.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across departments to facilitate the district’s implementation of HB3 Reading Academies and other literacy initiatives
• Monitor and support the implementation of HB 3 Reading Academies content and practices to improve early literacy instruction and student outcomes
• Support the design, development, and evaluation of new instructional resources and tools to support classroom literacy instruction
• Keep abreast of developments in instructional methodology, learning theory and curriculum trends in the area of early literacy
• Provide guidance and leadership to campus and district staff in the area of state standards, research, and evidence-based instructional practices into the planning and design of instruction for elementary literacy programs
• Model the design and facilitation of…