The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Office of Teaching and Learning, has three (3) Regional Principal Supports Leaders, locations vary.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Regional Principal Supports Leader will be responsible for overseeing and facilitating the work done by the Kentucky Department of Education on behalf of principals in the region, including but not limited to the Early Literacy Leadership Network. This role is crucial in building sustainable district-level models for implementing evidence-based early literacy instructional programming connected to High Quality Instructional Resources (HQIR).
This position is responsible for (1) collaborating with KDE-selected professional learning partners as part of the Kentucky Reading Academies, (2) developing and implementing strategies aligned to Senate Bill 9 (2022), and (3) ensuring local education leaders understand and are supported in implementing the provisions outlined in SB 9 (2022), the Read to Succeed Act.
The director will report to and work closely with the chief academic officer to improve support for principals in the region in which the leader is placed. This position will be designated as field staff, not Frankfort-based, to allow for collaboration with selected vendor partners, travel to professional learning offerings conducted by partners for the purpose of monitoring and reporting, and on-site technical assistance for districts.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership: Provide strong leadership and support for the Early Literacy Leadership Networks and other professional learning communities and/or communities of practice for principals in the region.
Strategy Development: Support district and building leaders in scaling and sustaining evidence-based K-5 structured literacy practices grounded in HQIR.
Building Systems: Develop strong systems and structures for early literacy instruction in schools and districts that can be elevated as bright spots or model schools.
Collaboration: Provide an opportunity for district and school leaders to connect and learn from one another.
This role will play a pivotal part in improving teaching and learning experiences for K-5 teachers and students and increasing access to grade-level learning in K-5 literacy. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in educational leadership, a passion for literacy, and a commitment to educational equity.
The Regional Leader will support principals in several ways:
Professional Development: The Regional Leader will provide opportunities for principals to engage in professional learning communities. In addition to the Early Literacy Leadership Network meetings, this could involve organizing learning experiences, site visits, and/or communities of practice that focus on improving early literacy instruction and implementing High Quality Instructional Resources (HQIR).
Mentorship: The Regional Leader will serve as a mentor to principals, offering guidance and advice based on their own experiences and expertise. This could involve one-on-one mentoring or group mentoring sessions.
Resource Allocation: The Regional Leader will help principals identify and allocate resources effectively to support early literacy instruction. This could involve helping principals understand how to use HQIR or other resources to improve literacy outcomes.
Strategy Implementation: The Regional Leader will work with principals to develop and implement effective strategies for K-5 literacy. This could involve helping principals create a strategic plan, set goals, and monitor progress.
Collaboration: The Regional Leader will facilitate collaboration among principals. This could involve organizing regular meetings where principals can share best practices, discuss challenges, and learn from each other.
Advocacy: The Regional Leader will advocate for the needs and interests of principals with Office of Teaching and Learning leadership. This could involve communicating with leaders about the support principals need to improve early literacy instruction across the region.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience as an administrator at a K-5 or K-8 school.
Knowledge of the Read to Succeed Act (Senate Bill 9, 2022) and the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act (House Bill 162, 2024)
Completion of LETRS for K-5 Teachers or LETRS for Administrators
Experience leading building wide implementation of high-quality instructional resources.
Applicants and employees in this classification may be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check.
Applicants currently under contract with a local school district are required to provide a written release from their superintendent prior to an offer of employment will be given.
NOTE: This position is eligible for consideration for a hybrid schedule that allows for a combination of in-office and approved alternative work scheduling. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time.
NOTE: This position will be filled through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The applicant selected for this position must be an employee of a Kentucky local school district or institution of higher education.
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, please send resume, and letter of interest directly to: Kathryn McCrystal, Division of Resource Management, 300 Sower Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601; Phone: 502-564-3716; Email: kathryn.mccrystal@education.ky.gov
Applications are not kept on file and must be resubmitted.
For further information concerning the application process, e-mail Kathryn McCrystal at: kathryn.mccrystal@education.ky.gov
This position will remain open until filled.
An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer