Literacy Specialist​/Coach

Department:
Uplift Michigan Online School

Reports to:

Principal

Location:

Virtual, Michigan

FLSA Classification:
Exempt

Employment Type:

Full-time

Compensation:
Based on Education and Experience

The Literacy Specialist/Coach role is designed to significantly impact literacy outcomes across Uplift by providing expert coaching and support to general education teachers in evidence-based literacy practices. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in the science of reading, a compassionate approach to student support, and strong collaborative skills to work effectively with both general and special education teams. The Literacy Specialist is responsible for guiding, leading, and assessing student growth in literacy/reading skills and coaching all K-6 teachers to support literacy education across content areas.

This position is also responsible for creating and improving literacy courses across the K-6 grade bands. The Literacy Specialist/Coach will also be responsible for helping to lead our Standards-Based learning transition and ongoing implementation.

• Provide individualized and group coaching to general education teachers on the implementation of Uplift's core literacy curriculum and evidence-based instructional strategies (e.g., phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension). Coaching to be provided to K-6 Reading teachers (including IS and Special Education), individually, 1x per month and in a group setting, 3x per year
• Design and deliver professional development sessions and workshops for general education staff on best practices in literacy instruction, differentiation, and assessment, at least 2x per year
• Design and deliver professional development sessions and workshops for all staff on Dyslexia identification, screening, and accommodations, in accordance with Michigan’s Dyslexia law. Frequency dictated by Public Act 146 and 147
• Effective model literacy lessons and intervention techniques in classrooms
• Support teachers in analyzing classroom literacy data to inform instruction and identify student needs.

• Conduct yourself in a professional manner – demonstrating competence in your area of responsibilities and extending respect and courtesy to coworkers. This position is one that demands an exceptional attendance routine, including consistently arriving early to set the tone for the day along with staying after to plan or support students
• Adhere to all Summit/Uplift Michigan Online School employee policies as well as expectations as outlined in the handbooks. We will supply a hard copy to you upon request
• Conduct yourself in accordance with the mission, vision, and goals of Uplift Michigan Online School, as well as the core values of Summit Management. This will foster mutually beneficial relationships and promote a spirit of excellence in our endeavors

• In-depth knowledge of both reading and writing processes and acquisition.
• In-depth knowledge in how to recognize the varied purposes for assessment (e.g., screening, Diagnostic, monitoring progress, achievement), select specific assessments that meet those purposes, administer, and score assessments, and use assessment results to inform instruction.
• In-depth knowledge of and appropriate use research research-informed instructional practices (Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy K-3) to help all students develop literacy knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of adult learning principles.
• Able to create a literate learning environment that shows an understanding of how the physical arrangement, materials, group work, routines, and motivational factors such as choice and purpose contribute to learning in today’s diverse classrooms.
• Successful classroom teaching experience at the Pre-K to 3 level as evidenced by positive student learning.
• Master’s degree in literacy or reading and continually engage in professional development in evidence-based literacy instructional strategies.
• REQUIRED:
  
  Reading Specialist (BR) endorsement from the Michigan Department of Education. Eligible candidates with a BT endorsement will be considered but   is preferred.

• This job operates in a virtual home office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

• This position involves walking, sitting, standing, bending and at times lifting up to 30 pounds.