The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Office of Teaching and Learning, has an opening for a State Literacy Coaching Specialist, in Franklin County.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) seeks a high-performing state literacy coaching specialists (SLCS) to implement a literacy coaching model in identified schools with large numbers of students performing in the novice range on the grade three (3) Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA). SLCSs will provide direct services to these schools so that there can be a cohesive, sustained, intensive and data-focused structured literacy approach that is rigorous, engaging, and relevant for students. SLCSs will be required to effectively identify the needs of assigned schools to prioritize, schedule, organize and provide technical assistance and professional learning support to teachers in promulgating student progress toward reading proficiency by the end of grade three (3).
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)
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 local needs of schools with greatest need in grade 3 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.
Lead professional learning to meet the needs of administrators and teachers.
Participate in coaching and feedback cycles that promote evidence-based literacy instruction.
Provide clear, timely and candid written and oral feedback to teachers around their literacy instructional practices.
Meet regularly with administrators and teachers to review data and make recommendations for adjustments in instructional practices.
Collaborate with other SLCS to refine and calibrate coaching practices.
Assist administrators and teachers in providing regular data reports to their Local Education Authority (LEA) and other stakeholders.
COMPETENCIES:
Content Knowledge. Coaches will understand the best teaching practices, as well as best coaching practices. They will be able to work with adults skillfully and tactfully. They will be able to 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 be able to 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.
The coach is well known throughout the building and all staff understand 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 be able to 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-advocates for their own professional growth and seek to learn alongside other colleagues and team members.
Preferred Experience:
Experience teaching reading in the K-12 classroom.
Experience leading other educators, in a position either with or without formal authority.
Experience in the Language Essentials of Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) coursework and the research on how the brain learns to read and why some students struggle.
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