Early Literacy Coach

This position is full-time, school year, and is currently located at the DIISD Administration Building with services provided in both Dickinson and Iron Counties. Starting wage based on experience for placement on the established Education Association pay grid. Full benefits package available including dental and vision insurance fully paid by the district. This posting will remain open until filled.

Title: Early Literacy Coach

Report To: Director of General Education

Length of Contract: Negotiated School Calendar and Inservice hours per current Master Agreement

Employment Status: Union, Exempt

Qualifications:

• Current or expired teaching certificate
• Bachelor’s Degree plus minimum of 5 years Pre-K- 5 classroom experience
• Valid Driver’s License
• Background in ELA and Reading
• Advanced coursework in reading, Master’s Degree in literacy preferred or has completed a professional development in evidence-based literacy core instructional strategies
• Knowledge of current state standards and instructional skills and knowledge base in early literacy components such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension
• Familiarity and success with utilizing formative, screening, and diagnostic tools with students to determine appropriate instruction

General Description: The primary role of an early literacy coach is to positively impact student achievement by providing coaching training, and support to assigned schools in the implementation of quality curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Essential Functions:

• Work cooperatively with the General Education Director and other literacy coaches to plan professional learning and supports
• Ability to use observational data and formative assessment process to guide professional learning and coaching
• Ability to utilize technology to enhance professional learning and instructional coaching
• Ability to utilize data from diagnostic tools to determine additional extra supports needed in order to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade
• Establish positive and productive professional relationships with the ISD and all local district educators and administrators 
• Develop and model high quality literacy lessons and units for teachers
• Effectively communicate in one-on-one situations and in group settings
• Design and facilitate collaborative, job-embedded, standards-based professional learning opportunities aligned with the Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) model and the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy 
• Assist in the collection of data, its analysis and its use to inform instructional decisions both in the classroom and at the school level in order to improve student achievement
• Employ data conferencing with individual teachers/administrators and teams of teachers
• Support all Pre-K-5 classroom teachers in the ISD to align instruction with curriculum and the Literacy Essentials and School-wide Practices
• Provide leadership in the area of instructional best practices
• Expand teachers’ use of a variety of resources to improve instruction
• Assist in the development and implementation of formative and summative assessments
• Manage reporting, and evaluation related to the position
• Model continuous learning and use best practice in educational improvement
• Provide information to local districts regarding state and federal initiatives and legislation
• Participate in required trainings for Michigan ISD Pre-K-5 Coaches
• Perform other duties as assigned

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a positive role model for DIISD constituents demonstrating how to be a responsible citizen and productive member of society.
• Ability to carry out other associated duties as assigned by administration.
• Adhere to the DIISD Code of Ethics.

Additional Working Conditions:

• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluid and tissue.
• With reimbursement, may be required to use personal vehicle to perform job related functions.