Secondary District Literacy Coach (Grades 6-12) (School Year 2025-2026)

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

JDE:  4.57

District Literacy Coach

Purpose Statement

The primary role of a literacy coach is to improve student performance in literacy by supporting school improvement processes that build consistency and alignment using teaching strategies that are intentionally designed to strengthen teacher effectiveness and improve student outcomes.

Job Title: District Literacy Coach (6-12)

Salary: Teacher Salary $5,000.00 Stipend

Employment Year:  Full time teacher contract, plus 10 days, beyond the teacher contract (204 total days). 

Reports To:  District Literacy Specialist

Wage/Hour Status:  Exempt

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or National Board certified
• Literacy or Reading endorsement (Must be able to obtain within two years of employment)
• Completion of State of Iowa Dyslexia module
• Minimum of three or more years of exemplary teaching experience
• Previous experience in a teacher leadership role
• Demonstrated excellence in communication, both oral and written
• Positive work history, with a high attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Demonstrated success in maintaining effective relationships with employees, colleagues, and business/community partners
• Experience facilitating professional development or providing instructional coaching 
• Strategic and Critical thinker
• Proficient technology skills

Essential Functions 

Teacher Leader and Learner 

• Provide resources and training to school staff on scientifically based reading research and evidence-based practices.
• Collaborate (e.g. co-teach, model, demonstrate, observe, and provide feedback) with building instructional coaches and classroom teachers on the implementation with fidelity of core, supplemental, and intensive intervention approaches for reading and the use of data from valid and reliable assessments as the basis for instructional decision making; 
• Provide support for the implementation of the core reading programs and approaches selected by the district, working with the vendors as necessary 
• Facilitate learning of literacy content to teachers in school or district-based professional development opportunities; lead study groups to discuss the research, enhance commercial programs with training in literacy skills/strategies to enhance content, share experiences on implementing recommended practices, and examine student work 
• Act as catalyst for building a district learning community that focuses on integrated learning, building connections across grades, buildings and the district.
• Monitor and stay up to date on best practices in ELA/reading pedagogy.

Data Coach/Assessment

• In collaboration with building instructional coaches and administration, support the implementation of literacy assessments for screening, progress monitoring, diagnostic, and outcomes
• In collaboration with building instructional coaches and administration, coach teachers on the administration and interpretation of assessment data, to determine adequate progress or those in need of supplemental or intensive intervention as well as grouping for core instruction
• Become familiar with the administration and interpretation of in-depth diagnostic measures or additional assessments commonly used in the district.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Use available guidance for reviewing core, supplemental, and intensive intervention materials under consideration for purchase for evidence of alignment with the literacy curriculum.
• Know how to use a range of effective strategies, analyze instruction, and provide clear, specific information on strategy implementation.
• In collaboration with the Literacy Specialist and building instructional coaches, help to organize and lead school or district professional development opportunities to disseminate literacy content as deemed appropriate by the district.
• Support and serve on district PK-12 literacy curriculum review teams

School Liaison

• Meet regularly with the building instructional coaches, District Literacy Specialist, Director of Curriculum, and others to assess the progress of the implementation of the literacy curriculum and to modify elements as necessary
• Participate actively in district and building leadership team meetings.
• Assist in the analysis of district-wide literacy strengths and weaknesses and formulate plans to improve student achievement in reading and teaching effectiveness
• Create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration among staff to promote professional growth and accelerate the reading achievement of all students.
• Attend all professional development and networking meetings designed for literacy coaches as available.

Other Functions

• Collaborate with the Literacy Specialist and Director of Curriculum to ensure alignment of content throughout the district.
• Collaborate and build a strong working relationship with building and district instructional coaches and teachers of literacy.
• Participate in instructional coach professional development training programs as needed.
• Facilitate and oversee committee meetings, as assigned.
• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.           
• Demonstrate integrity and maintain confidentiality.
• Respectfully and appropriately interact with staff, community members and visitors.
• Uphold and adhere to safety rules and policies for Ankeny Community School District. 
• Support the goals and objectives of the school district and follow all district policies.
• Demonstrate the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to   District operations.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others. 
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Working Environment 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, reaching, driving, standing and walking. Working conditions may include extreme temperatures and humidity.  Hazards may include exposure to communicable diseases. This position requires one to maintain emotional control under stress. 

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the District; Salary according to schedule adopted annually.

Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually, as per district policies and procedures.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Approved by:  Justin Mohr                                      Date:  March 19th, 2025

Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

Salary : $5,000