The Kentucky
Department of Education (KDE) seeks high-performing State Literacy Coaching
Specialists (SLCSs) to implement Kentucky’s literacy coaching model in
identified partnership schools. SLCSs work within the Office of Teaching and
Learning on Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) contracts through a district or
regional educational cooperative.
In partnership with school leaders and teachers, SLCSs strengthen Tier 1 instruction through consistent implementation of adopted high-quality instructional resources (HQIR) for reading and writing. Through structured coaching cycles, intellectual preparation, and job-embedded professional learning, SLCSs support instructional coherence, effective use of HQIR, and data-informed decision making to accelerate student learning and improve early literacy outcomes.
SLCSs provide sustained, school-based coaching focused on instructional transfer and building teacher capacity to improve classroom practice and advance student progress toward reading proficiency by the end of grade three (3).
Duties and Responsibilities:
Implement the Kentucky Department of Education's strategic vision and plan for supporting instructional improvement in literacy aligned to Senate Bill 9 (2022), the Read to Succeed Act, including:
- Early literacy universal screener and diagnostic assessments
- High-quality instructional resources (HQIRs)
- High-quality professional learning (HQPL)
- Effective multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)
Fulfill a 220-day contract including travel.
Build relationships with leaders and teachers within the partner school and district.
Provide daily instructional support and resources to the school level administrators and teachers around structured literacy practices, the five essential components of reading, curriculum implementation, assessment administration, and data analysis.
Model effective instructional practices in coaching and feedback cycles.
Critically assess the current state of literacy and selectively implement evidence-based practices through a literacy plan of action.
Assist administrators and teachers in the development of a schoolwide literacy plan and strategies for monitoring the implementation of the plan.
Facilitate high-quality professional learning aligned to the science of reading and structured literacy practices.
Lead PLCs or communities of practice focused on intellectual preparation aligned to the adopted Tier 1 core comprehensive high-quality instructional resource (HQIR) for reading and writing; build capacity in other leaders to lead.
Create plans, goals, and action items to address and monitor areas of improvement through regular coaching cycles.
Conduct observations and provide feedback.
Meet regularly with administrators and teachers to review data and make recommendations for adjustments in instructional practices.
Engage in own professional learning and track progress.
Collaborate with other SLCS to refine and calibrate coaching practices.Content Knowledge. Coaches will understand best teaching practices, as well as best coaching practices. They will work with adults skillfully and tactfully. They will navigate the complexities of change management and understand the technical versus adaptive work in support of greater outcomes. They will be up to date on the latest research, including structured literacy and knowledge building approaches.
- Coach has deep knowledge and understanding of high-yield instructional strategies and coaching moves.
Build Relationships. Coaches will build relationships with a wide array of stakeholders, including teachers, as well as school and district leaders. They will be able to leverage these relationships to influence positive changes and impact outcomes.
- Coach communicates regularly, intentionally, and effectively with all school staff both in written and verbal form.
- Coach is well known throughout the building, and all staff have an understanding of the role and goals.
- Coach collaborates and meets regularly with school leadership and staff to build a culture of improvement.
Change Agents. Coaches will be agents of change within the schools and districts to ensure that instructional practices and mindsets are aligned with the research. They will additionally support the selection, adoption, and implementation of high-quality instructional resources.
- Coach assists the school with the implementation of change models that lead to improved organizational outcomes.
Persistent. Coaches will navigate complex situations and dynamics within schools and districts with humility, empathy, and perseverance. They will be relentless in their pursuit of individual, school, and district growth.
- Coach models a growth mindset and curious nature while welcoming uncertainty through systems building and problem solving.
Continuous Improvement. Coaches will engage in ongoing professional learning for themselves to ensure they are abreast of the latest and most impactful research, best practices, and coaching techniques.
- Coaches use data to determine their own personal effectiveness within the scope of their role and responsibilities.
- Coaches are self advocate for their own professional growth and seek to learn alongside other colleagues and team members.
Preferred Experience:
Experience teaching in the K-12 classroom.
Experience in coaching and feedback cycles.
Experience in the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) coursework and research on how the brain learns to read and why some students struggle.
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.
Applicants and employees in this classification may be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check. In accordance with KRS 161.220 the applicant selected for this position will become a member of the Teachers' Retirement System. TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, please send resume, and letter of interest directly to: Christy Ricketts, Division of Resource Management, 300 Sower Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601; Email:
christy.ricketts@education.ky.gov
Applications are not kept on file and must be resubmitted. For further information concerning the application process, e-mail Christy Ricketts at:
christy.ricketts@education.ky.gov This position will remain open until filled. An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer