Assistant Director of Early Literacy; K-3

Position: Assistant Director of Early Literacy (K-3)
About Mastery:
Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students. At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success.

We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices. Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated.

Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director of K-3 Literacy ensures that Mastery Schools students develop the foundational literacy skills, knowledge, and instructional experiences necessary to become successful, independent readers and writers. Reporting to the Director of Early Literacy, the Assistant Director partners with schools to strengthen Tier 1 instruction, teacher practice, and implementation of evidence-based literacy programming grounded in the Science of Reading. While serving primarily on the K-2 Literacy Team, the Assistant Director also partners closely with the 3–8 Literacy Team to ensure a coherent transition into third grade.

This includes supporting the design and implementation of high-quality WIN (What I Need) blocks, strengthening Tier 1 instruction through data-informed decision making, and ensuring instructional coherence across foundational skills, language comprehension, reading comprehension, and writing. The Assistant Director serves as a strategic thought partner to schools and advances Mastery's vision for literacy through teacher coaching, professional learning, instructional resource development, and data-driven continuous improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Support implementation of high-quality Tier 1 literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading through teacher and leader coaching, classroom observation, modeling, feedback, and professional development. Partner with schools to strengthen K-3 MTSS, including Tier 1 instruction, intervention systems, progress monitoring, and data-driven instructional planning. Analyze student achievement, assessment, and implementation data to identify instructional trends, diagnose opportunities for improvement, and inform school support and network priorities.

Design and facilitate high-quality professional learning that strengthens teacher and leader practice and instructional execution. Develop instructional resources, planning tools, exemplar materials, and implementation guidance that support high-quality curriculum implementation and instructional decision making. Contribute to the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of network literacy initiatives, assessments, pilots, and strategic priorities. Collaborate closely with the K-2 and 3-8 Literacy Teams to ensure instructional coherence and successful transitions into third grade.

Provide support to Academic Operations as needed, including assessment implementation, school support, and other network priorities.

Qualifications:

Results-oriented with a strong commitment to improving student outcomes. Deep belief in the mission and instructional model of Mastery Schools. Demonstrate deep knowledge of early literacy, the Science of Reading, Common Core State Standards, MTSS, and evidence-based instructional practices, with a high bar for instructional quality. Strong coaching, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence adult learning and instructional practice.

Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret student achievement and instructional implementation data to drive continuous instructional improvement. Ability to diagnose classroom instruction, identify high-leverage next steps, and provide clear, actionable feedback that strengthens teacher practice.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree required. At least five years of experience in literacy instruction, teacher coaching, curriculum development, or instructional…