Job Posting Title

Literacy Specialist

Agency

265 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Supervisory Organization

Department of Education Oliver Hodge Education Building

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

July 17, 2024

Note : Applications will be accepted until 11 : 59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full / Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

$61,600

Discover the Benefits of Joining Our Team! Are you ready to take the next step in your career with an agency that values your well-being?

Look no further! At OSDE, we're proud to offer a robust benefits package designed to support you and your family every step of the way.

• Generous Benefits Allowance : Up to $21,099.12 annually, tailored to family size, for purchasing benefits.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans : Choose from a variety of insurance plans with no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or limitations.
• Flexible Spending Accounts : Manage healthcare expenses and / or dependent care with ease.
• Full Participation in TRS : Enjoy employer-covered contributions (7.5% of annual salary) for Teacher’s Retirement System participation.
• Generous Leave Policy : Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in their first year.
• Paid Holidays : Benefit from 11 paid holidays per year.
• Employee Discounts : Access discounts with various companies and vendors.
• Longevity Bonus : Earn a bonus after completing two years of service, with bonuses continuing annually thereafter.
• Compensatory Time : FLSA Exempt and Nonexempt employees receive compensatory time.
• Employee Assistance Program : Access support and resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

Job Description

ABOUT US

At the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), we go beyond merely offering jobs we actively seek out extraordinary individuals to join our team.

As the primary agency entrusted with overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, we are steadfastly devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students we serve.

Our exceptional team at OSDE is renowned for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state.

We work hand-in-hand with over 500 school districts and maintain a close partnership with the legislature, ensuring that each Oklahoma student receives the exceptional education they deserve.

If you're in search of a fulfilling career that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of children, you've arrived at the right place.

Join us in our mission to empower students and elevate the standard of education in Oklahoma. For further insights into OSDE, please visit our website at .

POSITION OVERVIEW

Join our team as a Literacy Specialist and contribute to the advancement of literacy initiatives throughout Oklahoma. Make a significant impact on students’ literacy outcomes across the state by utilizing your expertise and passion for literacy instruction.

This role collaborates with schools, districts, and educators to enhance literacy instruction, promote best practices, and improve literacy outcomes for all students in Oklahoma.

The ideal candidate will have experience in literacy instruction, strong communication skills, and the ability to provide guidance and support that will contribute to the success of our statewide literacy efforts.

Please note : this role does not allow for any form of remote work, including telecommuting or hybrid arrangements. The nature of this position necessitates a consistent in-person presence.

Prospective candidates should be aware that the responsibilities associated with this role require physical presence at the designated workplace in the assigned region.

PLEASE NOTE : This position is supported by a pilot program established under SB1118, scheduled to conclude on June 30, 2026.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood, elementary education, or literacy official transcripts required ;
• Valid Oklahoma teaching certificate in a related discipline;
• Five (5) years experience in literacy instruction or related roles (with the majority of time spent at the elementary or early childhood level);
• Completion of an extensive training program (30 hours) in science of reading (e.g, LETRS, AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading) Certificate of completion required
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of relevant experience for each year of the required education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in education, literacy, or National Board Certification official transcripts required ;
• Completion of additional literacy certification on the science of reading (e.g., Certified Academic Language Practitioner CALP or Certified Academic Language Therapist CALT , Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction KPEERI ) Certificate of completion required
• Familiarity with literacy assessment tools, data analysis, and utilizing data to inform instructional decision-making;
• Familiarity with the Reading Sufficiency Act (RSA).

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these 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 Reading Sufficiency 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.

Training & Educating : plan and deliver high-quality professional development sessions and workshops for educators to enhance their knowledge and skills in literacy instruction;

stay abreast of research-based best practices and ensure that professional development aligns with the latest trends and developments in the field of literacy.

• 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.
• 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.

• Professional Demeanor : Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude at all times; ability to build and maintain positive work relationships;
• demonstrate integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of your work; ability to display a high level of professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance;

ability to accept constructive feedback to increase performance.

• Attendance : Regular and reliable in-person attendance is required to ensure quality teamwork, performance, productivity, and collaboration;

this includes arriving to work on time, being present, engaged, and available to colleagues, internal and external customers.

Innovation : Ability to identify and address the evolving needs and challenges of the education landscape; ability to think critically, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to improve educational outcomes for all students;

apply creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking in finding solutions to complex problems and driving positive change in the field of education.

Efficiency : Ensure our resources are utilized effectively, and our operations are streamlined; optimize our processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance;

proactively identify opportunities for efficiency gains and implement best practices.

Superior Customer Service : Willingness to go above and beyond to provide outstanding assistance that exceeds expectations, ability to create positive experiences and build relationships based on trust and satisfaction;

maintain a positive and helpful attitude using the appropriate language, tone, and behavior to reflect the agency in a way that leaves a favorable impression.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

• Effective Communication : Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas, while also listening actively to others and demonstrating understanding;
• Ability to demonstrate empathy by showing respect and understanding for the feelings and perspectives of others while paying close attention to non-verbal cues;

Ability to adapt communication style to suit the needs of the audience and situation.

• Take a proactive approach and work independently : Be resourceful and self-motivated, prioritize work effectively by managing your time well, anticipating challenges, developing creative solutions, paying close attention to detail, and taking ownership of your work.
• Collaborate as a team player : Ability to work effectively with others towards a common goal. Including being open-minded, respectful, and responsive to others’ ideas and perspectives.

Sharing knowledge and experience while being committed to achieving the teams’ objectives and understanding the importance of working collaboratively to achieve success.

• Demonstrate excellent planning and organizational skills : Ability to set clear objectives, create a plan of action, break down complex tasks into manageable components, delegate tasks when necessary, and establish a realistic timeline to meet deadlines consistently while developing contingency plans to ensure adaptability to changing circumstances.
• Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills : Ability to analyze complex situations, identify key issues, patterns, connections, and develop effective logical solutions;

Ability to think critically, anticipate potential problems, and develop innovative solutions to address them.

• Ability to function well in an, at times, stressful, fast-paced, and deadline-driven environment : Ability to work under pressure and in situations where time is limited whilst remaining calm and focused, prioritizing tasks, and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Ability to build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders : Ability to identify opportunities for collaboration, leverage resources effectively, and negotiate mutually beneficial outcomes.

Possess strong interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts and manage difficult conversations constructively and professionally.

Knowledge of technology and ability to use it to maximize efficiency and services : Ability to identify opportunities to leverage technology to streamline processes, automate tasks, and improve customer experiences;

Familiarity with software, hardware and other relevant technological tools while being able to learn new technologies as they emerge.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Location : Duty station as assigned in regional area

The work environment for this position includes : Field work with travel in and around assigned regionClimate-controlled office setting with exposure to moderate noise;

employee is frequently required to talk, walk, and stand; this position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computer and phone.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time;
• 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, office telephone 75% of the time;
• Ascends / descends stairs 25% of the time;
• Communicate with others accurately and effectively 100%;
• Ability to lift to 25 lbs.

TRAVEL

80% in-state / out-of-state travel may be required to conduct, facilitate, and / or attend meetings and trainings.

EEO STATEMENT

The Oklahoma Department of Education provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

In addition to federal law requirements, OSDE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday .

Last updated : 2024-07-02