Literacy Specialist

Compensation: $65,927 This position is funded through a Fiscal Year 2027 allocation from the New Mexico Higher Education Department in support of HB 156 implementation; continuation beyond FY27 (06/30/2027) is contingent upon the availability of additional funding. Compensation Type: Exempt Employment Type: Temporary (Fixed Term) Grade: E06 Position Summary The Literacy Coordinator will lead San Juan College's Teacher Education Department in implementing the structured literacy requirements established under House Bill 156 (2025). This professional staff position is responsible for ensuring all educator preparation pathways — including the Alternative Licensure Program (ALP), Teacher Residency Pathway, and any additional licensure routes offered through the department — are aligned with the science of reading standards required of all New Mexico Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs). The Literacy Coordinator works closely with the department's Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist and reports directly to the Senior Director of Teacher Education. MAJOR DUTIES Apply specialized expertise in structured literacy, the science of reading, and evidence‑based literacy instruction to guide department implementation of HB156 requirements. Ensure alignment of coursework, syllabi, and clinical experiences across all Teacher Education Department pathways with the structured literacy competencies established under HB156. Support implementation and oversight of the required 100‑hour structured literacy observation placements with LETRS‑trained mentor teachers across all pathways. Provide professional development and coaching to Teacher Education Department instructors on structured literacy pedagogy and science of reading frameworks; collaborate closely with the Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist on delivery and follow‑through. Coordinate with NMPED, the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), and local education agencies (LEAs) on literacy placements and statewide literacy initiatives. Track and monitor teacher candidate performance on literacy‑related assessments across all pathways; prepare and submit required state and accreditation compliance reports. Lead continuous improvement efforts related to structured literacy within the department, including annual program review aligned with HB156 reporting requirements. Participate in statewide EPP literacy coordinator networks and collaborate with peer institutions and NMHED on implementation consistency. Ensure ongoing alignment of department policies and practices with NMAC6.60,6.61, and applicable NMPED administrative code related to literacy instruction and educator preparation. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION Deep knowledge of structured literacy, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension as grounded in the science of reading. Knowledge of LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and other evidence‑based literacy professional development frameworks. Knowledge of NewMexico Public Education Department rules and guidelines, including HB156 implementation expectations and NMAC6.60/6.61. Knowledge of educator preparation program compliance requirements and state EPP reporting frameworks. Knowledge of reading assessment tools and literacy data analysis practices. Knowledge of adult learning theory and its application to professional development contexts. Skill in curriculum review and syllabus alignment across multiple program pathways. Skill in collaboration with K‑12 partners, state agencies, and higher education personnel. Skill in oral and written communication, including compliance reporting and grant deliverable documentation. Skill in decision making, problem solving, and working independently in a complex regulatory environment. Skill in working effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The Senior Director of Teacher Education assigns work in terms of general program goals and HB156 compliance requirements. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, written reports, and observation of department activities. GUIDELINES Guidelines include House Bill156 (2025, New Mexico 57th Legislature), NMAC6.60 and6.61 (Educator Preparation Program requirements), NewMexico Higher Education Department and Public Education Department rules and guidelines, SanJuan College policies and procedures, and the SJC Employee Handbook. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK The work consists of highly specialized duties at the intersection of structured literacy, educator preparation program compliance, and state regulatory requirements, requiring the ability to work independently and synthesize information from multiple sources and frameworks. The purpose of this position is to ensure all SanJuan College educator preparation pathways meet the structured literacy standards established under HB156, directly affecting the quality of teacher candidates prepared to serve NewMexico's K‑12 students. Success in this position results in improved structured literacy outcomes for candidates, partner schools, and ultimately the students they serve. CONTACTS Contacts include SJC Teacher Education Department instructors and staff, the Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist, the Senior Director of Teacher Education, NMPED Educator Pathways Bureau, NMHED Academic Affairs Division, local education agency administrators and literacy coaches, LETRS‑trained mentor teachers, and peer literacy coordinators at other NewMexico EPPs. Contacts are typically to exchange information, coordinate compliance activities, provide program services, or influence instructional practice and program improvement. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT The work is typically performed sitting at a desk or table while intermittently sitting, standing, and walking. The work is typically performed in an office or school setting. Travel to K‑12 LEA partners, clinical placement sites, and occasional statewide meetings is required. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY None MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A master's or doctoral degree in education, literacy, reading, or a closely related field is required. A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, or literacy coach is required. Demonstrated expertise in structured literacy, the science of reading, and evidence-based reading instruction. Strong understanding of reading processes, literacy assessment, and professional learning. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with K‑12 schools, state agencies, and higher education personnel. LETRS training or equivalent structured literacy professional development is preferred. Experience working within or alongside educator preparation programs is preferred. Familiarity with NewMexico Public Education Department rules, HB156, and NMPED licensure requirements is preferred. The following REQUIRED documents must be submitted with application in order to be considered. Upload all required documents under the Application Questions2 section for "Additional Documents Required". Cover Letter (Required) Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (Required) List of 3 Supervisor References. (Required) Unofficial Transcripts showing conferred degree (Required) Letters of Recommendation (Optional) EEO STATEMENT: San Juan College is dedicated to providing equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic, veteran's status, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws. San Juan College serves as a regional leader in education and provides quality education to approximately 10,000 students seeking academic credit and non-credit programs through face‑to‑face and online classes each year. San Juan College is proud to serve a unique and culturally diverse population. Nestled in the northwest corner of New Mexico, Farmington is the hub of the Four Corners region and is home to the stunning main campus and four satellite centers of SanJuan College. Farmington is located one hour south of Durango, Colorado, three hours northwest of SantaFe and Albuquerque, and three hours southeast of Moab, Utah. Along with the phenomenal weather, Farmington offers over 50 beautifully maintained city parks and thousands of acres of terrain, enough to satisfy any outdoor enthusiast. Enjoy mountain biking, hiking, boating, skiing, off‑roading and more, or spend time at any of our three rivers and four lakes. Farmington also boasts a superb variety of special cultural events, museums, galleries, and local theater group events year‑round. Learn more about the Farmington area by clicking here. Below are some of the benefits offered: Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage options Generous paid leave plans and holiday pay Public Employee Pension Plan (NMERB) Optional 403 (b) Tax Deferred Annuities, 457 and Roth Plans Flex Spending accounts Life and Disability coverage Employee Wellness Incentives Employee Assistance Program Tuition waiver Free SJC Gym Membership Free Library services San Juan College is dedicated to providing equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic, veteran's status, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr SJC San Juan College