Literacy Coach

Reading In Motion is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students reach or exceed grade-level reading proficiency in their early school years, with a special focus on learners who need additional support. The organization partners with schools and educators to implement a music- and drama-based reading curriculum in both English and Spanish. Reading In Motion’s program combines engaging instructional materials with on-site specialized coaches who collaborate directly with teachers.

Through this model, the organization aims to inspire students to love reading while supporting teachers in strengthening their instructional practice.

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

As a Reading In Motion Literacy Coach, you’ll provide training and support for PreK-1st grade teachers, parents, tutors, and other educators. You will engage in on-site support at schools in the Chicago area as you implement Reading In Motion in the classrooms. During the summer months when school is out of session, you will work on team summer projects.

You will also help with curriculum updates, piloting and testing new content and participate in professional development. This position requires travel to schools in the Chicago area in addition to working remotely from home. Reading In Motion operates Monday through Thursday, 32 hours per week.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Foster collaborative relationships with teachers to provide real-time support through classroom visits and check-ins
• Deliver high quality training to new users in all Reading in Motion content and methods
• Use a repertoire of strategies for adult learners including modeling, observing, co-teaching, co-planning, debriefing and reflection/feedback
• Assist teachers in using the RIM Learning Management System
• Ensure teachers become familiar with all RIM tools, resources and materials in order to strengthen their instruction
• Communicate with Reading In Motion staff, teachers, school administrators, students, and parents in a professional manner
• Keep coaching logs of school visits and meetings updated
• Keep engagement tracker updated on a monthly basis
• Provide admin with regular updates including BOY, MOY, and EOY meetings
• Continuously evaluate and develop new strategies for helping Reading in Motion teachers optimize instructional practices, assisting in the identification of student needs, and the differentiation of instructional support
• Analyze student and classroom data to set specific goals and develop strategies that will inform instruction and positively impact results
• Collaborate with other members of the Reading in Motion team during weekly team meetings and on various projects
• Pilot new programs and content as an active participant in special projects and potential new program offerings
• Remain up-to-date on current trends in early childhood education, specifically, literacy and literacy assessment
• Participate in community engagement efforts and development initiatives, including site visits at schools
• Collaboratively contribute and take part in the development of content which may include photo, video or audio materials for communities and partners served
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience teaching, with a record of successfully impacting student achievement and working successfully with students who have the greatest needs
• Proven ability to work cooperatively and effectively with colleagues, including the ability to create and nurture a professional community of adult learners
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and strong interpersonal skills, including giving and receiving constructive feedback
• Proven ability using student-level data to guide instructional decisions
• Demonstrated Teacher Leadership
• Strong pedagogical knowledge and content expertise
• Demonstrated expertise in oral and written communication
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Models continual improvement, demonstrates lifelong learning, and applies new learning to help all students achieve
• Demonstrates evidence of professional growth, including leadership and participation in a wide range of significant professional development activities
• Data analysis skills
• Willing to learn how to manage and maintain our Learning Management System.
• Ability to travel within the Chicago area at least 50% of the time
• Ability to travel within the United States occasionally
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally