Instructional Specialist - Literacy (3)

Instructional Specialist - Literacy (3) 2026-2027 La Joya Independent School District Central Office – La Joya, Texas. (Open in Google Maps) Job ID: 5680392 • Application Deadline: Posted until filled • Posted: Apr29,20265:00AM (UTC) • Starting Date: Immediately Job Description Job Title: Instructional Specialist – Literacy Wage/Hour Status: Exempt Reports to: Executive Director, Language & Literacy Pay Grade: 4 Administrative Education Dept./School: Academics and School Leadership Initiated Date: April2026 WHO WE ARE La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a 100‑year legacy in the RioGrande Valley. Our vision—Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student—conveys our urgent focus on students. Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community. Customer Service Trust & Transparency High‑Quality Instruction Excellence in Leadership Integrity & Accountability We are focused on ensuring every student in LaJoya ISD has access to a high‑quality, best‑fit school. We serve more than22,000students in more than30 schools across six municipalities covering more than220square miles. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We are seeking an instructional expert who can design and support the implementation of high‑quality literacy instruction across K‑12 classrooms. This role blends curriculum development and instructional support to ensure that instructional materials, planning systems, and classroom practices result in measurable student outcomes. The ideal candidate has demonstrated success improving teacher effectiveness and student achievement, while also contributing to the development of high‑quality curriculum, assessments, and professional learning. This individual must translate vision into practice through co‑planning, modeling, coaching, and feedback, supporting consistent implementation across campuses. You must have the commitment, urgency, and adaptability needed to rapidly improve instructional quality and sustain excellence over time in a fast‑paced environment. WHY LA JOA ISD You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and access to the highest‑quality, research‑based resources and instructional materials. QUALIFICATIONS Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree required; preferred in Literacy, Education, reading curriculum or related field Master’s degree preferred Valid or eligible to receive Texas Teacher Certification required; bilingual or ESL preferred Evidence of completion of the Texas Teacher Reading Academy or equivalent science of reading certification preferred Experience: Minimum of three year’s teaching experience preferred Experience as a campus coach preferred Special Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrated ability to support all types of students, including students with special needs and emergent bilingual students Deep knowledge of science of reading Demonstrated impact on helping students learn to read Ability to coach and develop other educators toward improvement Experience preparing high‑quality, vertically aligned curricular resources Experience designing and delivering professional learning for adult learners Experience supporting program design, development, implementation, and data‑driven decision‑making Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, and differentiated instruction based on student levels Knowledgeable in the physical, mental and emotional child development process Experience using and interpreting data to inform decision‑making that improves student achievement Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) Strong organizational and collaboration skills Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Note: The Instructional Specialist role includes central‑office functions like curriculum development and improvement as well as campus‑based functions like coaching and PLC facilitation. Professional Growth Serve as a transformational educator creating a best‑in‑class learning environment. Participate in professional development and training related to duties. Foster collegiality and team building among staff. Maintain two‑way communication with staff, students, parents, and community. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior; serve as role model for students. Commit to professional growth through active participation in reading workshops, seminars, conferences, and other learning. Curriculum & Programmatic Leadership Promote high‑level performance expectations for students and recognize excellence. Provide instructional leadership for K‑12 literacy across assigned campuses, supporting evidence‑based practices. Support development, refinement, and implementation of high‑quality, standards‑aligned literacy curriculum. Contribute to design and maintenance of Instructional Planning Calendars (IPCs). Support the refinement of Demonstrations of Learning (DOLs) and common assessments. Ensure curriculum, instructional materials, and assessments are aligned across grade levels. Assist instructional staff in implementing high‑quality instruction and evidence‑based Tier1 instruction. Serve as an expert in the assigned curricular area. Lead evaluation, adoption, and integration of effective educational resources. Support comprehensive program evaluations using data to drive improvements. Analyze student performance data to inform instructional adjustments and support continuous improvement. Collaborate with District staff to ensure all K‑12 literacy programs and supports are executed at the highest level and cross‑functionally. Coaching & Training Provide job‑embedded support to teachers via co‑planning, modeling, co‑teaching, observation, and feedback. Develop and implement coaching goals and plans for assigned teachers. Support teachers in internalizing standards, aligning instruction, and delivering rigorous, high‑quality lessons. Apply a range of coaching techniques. Facilitate data‑informed instructional adjustments based on student performance. Serve as a content and instructional resource for literacy practices. Support staff growth through peer observation, learning walks, and effective PLCs. Professional Learning Community (PLC) & Professional Learning Lead as trainer for professional development for teachers and other district staff. Provide peer observation, learning walks, and effective PLCs. Facilitate PLCs focused on student outcomes and instructional improvement. Design, deliver, and support presentations for professional learning. Build capacity of campus administrators, lead teachers, and classroom teachers across the district. Attend, lead, and participate in faculty meetings, PLC, and other meetings. Collaborate with teachers on planning, preparing, and internalizing standards‑aligned lessons. Provide ongoing support and collaboration to build capacity. Provide training to campuses and campus designees as requested. Effective Feedback Receive coaching and meaningful feedback. Participate in campus visits to support and monitor implementation. Provide timely, actionable feedback to teachers to improve effectiveness. Use observation and student data to assess impact and adjust support as needed. Culture & Climate Create, cultivate, and lead a culture of excellence, support, and community for all stakeholders. Support a student behavioral support system improving a positive climate. Facilitate resolution of conflicts. Develop and maintain a conducive learning environment. Enhance students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and academic achievement. Comply with policies and practices for special needs in alignment with IDEA. School or Community Relations Provide availability to students and parents outside instructional hours when required. Communicate with parents, families, and communities regularly. Engage parents, families, and community members to increase involvement. Initiate activities to meet community needs using effective techniques. Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records required by law and policy. Take necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, and materials. Compile, maintain, and file required reports and documents accurately and timely. Participate in safety inspections and drills. Comply with district policies, state and federal laws and regulations. Other Duties Other duties as assigned. WORKING CONDITIONS Physical Demands: Typical demands of a school environment. Lifting and carrying of books, boxes, and audiovisual equipment (light, 15‑20pounds), climbing, stretching, visual acuity, walking, pulling, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, reaching, pushing, sitting, kneeling, standing, twisting. May involve physical restraint for behavior control. Work Environment: Primarily school‑based with regular interaction with district staff, educators, students, families and community. Campus visits required as needed to ensure program fidelity. Attendance at evening or weekend events may be required. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Position Working Days: 226 days Compensation: Based on the district’s approved compensation plan. Position Type: Full‑Time Salary: $82,723 Per Year The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager. Job Requirements Citizenship, residency or work visa required #J-18808-Ljbffr