Job Description

Position Overview:

The Reading Academic Specialist plays a vital role in supporting early learners academic success by promoting developmentally appropriate instruction early literacy and foundational skills. This position provides coaching curriculum guidance and assessment support to Pre-K through 2nd-grade teachers. The specialist works closely with educators and school leadership to ensure alignment to best practices in early childhood education and evidence-based reading instruction.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Support & Coaching

• Provide on-site instructional coaching and modeling for Pre-K through 2nd-grade teachers.
• Support the implementation of early literacy programs and structured phonics instruction.
• Collaborate with teachers to develop lesson plans that reflect best practices in early childhood and reading development.
• Facilitate professional learning communities and workshops to build instructional capacity in early grades.

Curriculum & Assessment

• Assist in the selection and implementation of age-appropriate curricula that align with state standards and early learning guidelines.
• Analyze student performance data to inform instruction and intervention planning.
• Support the administration of early childhood screeners literacy assessments and progress monitoring tools.

Program Development & Implementation

• Develop and enhance reading academy initiatives to improve early reading outcomes.
• Coordinate family literacy events and parent engagement activities related to early learning.
• Lead initiatives to support the transition from early childhood programs to kindergarten and early elementary.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Serve as a liaison between early childhood programs and school leadership.
• Ensure compliance with local state and federal regulations related to early childhood education.
• Work collaboratively with special education and multilingual teams to support diverse learners.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Reading or a related field
• Valid teaching certification (EC4 EC6 or equivalent)
• Minimum 3 years of teaching experience in early childhood or early elementary grades
• Strong knowledge of early literacy instruction and child development

Preferred:

• Masters degree in Reading Curriculum & Instruction or Early Childhood Education
• Reading Specialist certification or equivalent literacy endorsement
• Experience in instructional coaching or teacher leadership
• Familiarity with state Early Learning Guidelines and Reading Academies

Skills & Competencies:

• Deep understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and early literacy frameworks
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to analyze data to drive instruction
• Passion for early childhood education and student success
• Collaborative reflective and growth-oriented mindset

Requirements

Bachelors degree from a four-year college or university.
Valid teaching certification.
Must meet Highly Qualified status.
At least 3 years of teaching experience preferred.

Required Experience:

IC

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