K-4 Literacy Specialist

K-4 Literacy Specialist

Job Description:

The K–4 Literacy Specialist plays a critical role in supporting high-quality literacy instruction and ensuring that all students build strong foundational reading skills. This position provides Tier 1 professional development and coaching to teachers and staff grounded in the science of reading. The Literacy Specialist also leads Tier 3 intervention processes by identifying students in need of intensive support through universal screeners and diagnostic assessments, designing targeted intervention plans, delivering small-group instruction tailored to specific skill deficits, and monitoring student progress.

The specialist collaborates closely with classroom teachers, interventionists, and school leadership to ensure data-driven decision-making and effective instructional practices that promote reading success for all DECA PREP students. This position reports to the campus principal.

The Dayton Early College Academy (DECA) is an award-winning, high performing network of charter schools located in Dayton, Ohio. Serving grades K-12, DECA’s three campuses are singularly focused on helping children from the city of Dayton gain the skills they need to be successful in college and beyond.

We prepare future college graduates today to become the leaders of our community tomorrow.

We serve students in grades K-12 in the Dayton Public School area; academic proficiency is not considered during the admissions process. Admission is first come, first served.

• 94% of our students are African-American and 72% are economically disadvantaged;
• Over 80% of our students will be first in their family to go to college;
• DECA is committed to providing a rigorous and engaging academic curriculum;
• Our campuses foster an awareness of social justice issues;
• Strong community partnerships are at the core of our success;
• DECA alumni graduate from college at a rate nearly 5 times the national average for first generation college students and on par with their suburban counterparts.

• Are developing and practicing cultural competence in their teaching, teamwork, and leadership;
• Build relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community;
• Provide, seek, and act on feedback;
• Live our Core Values.

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Reading/Literacy, or a related field
• Valid teaching license (K–5 or K–3 preferred)
• Demonstrated knowledge of the science of reading, structured literacy practices, and evidence-based reading instruction
• Experience using universal screeners, diagnostic assessments, and progress-monitoring tools (e.g., Acadience/DIBELS, MAP Reading, etc.)
• Minimum 3 years of successful classroom teaching experience, preferably in early literacy
• Strong ability to analyze data and make instructional decisions
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with teachers, students, and families
• Ability to deliver professional development and coaching to adult learners

• Master’s degree in Reading/Literacy or completion of a Reading Endorsement
• Experience providing Tier 2 or Tier 3 reading interventions
• Training or certification in LETRS, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or another structured literacy program
• Experience working in an urban school environment

• Support the design and delivery of school wide literacy professional development focused on the science of reading, structured literacy, and effective early reading instruction

• Coordinate and administer universal screeners and diagnostic literacy assessments for all K–4 students
• Analyze assessment data to identify Tier 3 students and specific areas of skill deficiency
• Maintain clear documentation of student progress, intervention plans, and exit criteria
• Support teachers in interpreting assessment results to inform Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction

• Develop individualized or small‑group intervention plans…