Literacy Coach

Literacy Coach

A Literacy Coach serves as an instructional leader who supports effective reading development through deep knowledge of how students learn to read, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and language. This role leverages a multisensory, explicit, systematic, and structured approach to literacy instruction, applying research-based methods to identify and support struggling readers through targeted intervention plans tailored to individual needs. The Literacy Coach ensures compliance with the Strong Reader's Act and related literacy legislation, and collaborates closely with special education teams to align practices with IEPs, 504 plans, and state literacy standards. By building strong partnerships with educators, administrators, families, and community organizations, the Literacy Coach helps design and implement comprehensive, evidence-based literacy programs that promote equitable learning for all students. Additionally, this role remains current on state and national literacy policies, guiding schools and districts in continuous improvement efforts that strengthen instructional practices and advance literacy outcomes.

Please note: This role is 90% field with required travel to assigned coaching schools with occasional travel for statewide professional development and to the State Department of Education for team meetings.

Essential Functions

• Knowledge & Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the science of how students learn to read, including, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing and language; proficient in utilizing a multisensory, explicit, systematic, and structured approach to reading instruction; ability to apply research-based methods and strategies that promote effective reading development; familiarity with identifying students who are struggling with reading; knowledge of appropriate interventions, accommodations, and teaching techniques to support struggling readers; ability to develop targeted intervention plans tailored to individual student needs.
• Compliance: Understanding of the requirements and guidelines outlined in the Strong Reader's Act (or similar state legislation if applicable); knowledge of the implementation and compliance aspects related to literacy standards and assessments; familiarity with special education rules, regulations and procedures, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans; ability to collaborate with special education teams to provide appropriate support and accommodations for students with reading difficulties.
• Collaboration & Support: Foster partnerships and collaboration with schools, districts, and other stakeholders to promote literacy initiatives; engage with educators, administrators, parents, and community organizations to build strong support networks for literacy development; collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive literacy programs aligned with state standards and research-based best practices.
• Reading and Associated Difficulties: Proficient understanding of how students learn to read and related difficulties; knowledge of evidence-based interventions and accommodations; ability to implement strategies that address evidence-based instruction in reading and writing for all students, including those with reading difficulties.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay informed about state and national literacy policies, standards, and assessments. Provide guidance and support to schools and districts in aligning their literacy practices with relevant policies and standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Literacy, or a related field [official transcripts required upon hire];
• Five (5) years of successful literacy instruction experience (primarily elementary/early childhood) OR
• Master's degree in education and three (3) years of successful literacy instruction experience;
• Valid Oklahoma teaching certificate;
• Completion of 30+ hours of literacy training based on the science of reading (e.g., LETRS, AIM Pathways, IMSE).
• Pass the Oklahoma Foundations of Reading test within 6 months of hire date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Literacy, Education, or National Board Certification [official transcripts required upon hire].
• Additional endorsements or certifications such as certified structured literacy dyslexia specialist, CALP, CALT, or KPEERI.
• Experience with literacy data analysis, structured literacy interventions, and multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS).
• Familiarity with the Strong Readers Act.
• Proficient in utilizing online platforms for effective communication and data management.
• Previously retired educator with evidence of being a highly effective elementary school teacher based on student reading scores on the statewide English Language Arts assessment or teacher evaluations.
• History of providing professional development, mentorship, or coaching to other professionals.

Special Requirements

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship now or in the future;
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check;
• Must possess a valid driver's license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.
• 70% in-state/out-of-state travel may be required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Location: Assigned service regions

• Physical Demands include:
• Ability to stand, reach, and bend 50% of the time;
• Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine/printer, and office telephone 75% of the time;
• Ascends/descends stairs 25% of the time;
• Ability to lift to 25 lbs.
• Cognitive Requirements:
• This role requires clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.
• Sustained focus and attention to detail are essential, along with memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.
• Adaptability and mental flexibility are also necessary to handle changing information, work conditions, and unexpected challenges.