Literacy Coach

Description

Job Title: Elementary Literacy Specialist (Instructional Coach)

Position Overview: Maclay School seeks an Elementary Literacy Specialist to enhance the teaching, learning, and assessment of reading and writing to improve student achievement. Reporting directly to the Director of Lower School, the Literacy Specialist serves as an instructional coach, supporting and influencing the educational efforts of teachers to improve literacy outcomes for students. The ideal candidate will possess a deep and broad understanding of English Language Arts content and standards, especially in the elementary context, and will have expertise in evidence-based instructional and assessment practices. Candidates with experience in the Teachers College Reading & Writing Program Units of Study and structured literacy instruction will be given preference.

Key Responsibilities:

· Instructional Support:

o Model effective literacy instruction in classrooms as needed.

o Provide direction and coordination on how the Reading/Writing Workshop curriculum is taught, aligned with school initiatives and best instructional practices.

o Collaborate with teachers to plan and pace lessons, develop differentiated instruction, and identify instructional strategies to meet diverse student needs.

· Teacher Development:

o Build strong relationships with teachers, administrators, and instructional coaches to create a professional learning community.

o Support the instructional development of teachers by offering strategies and processes for effective literacy instruction.

o Conduct informal, non-evaluative lesson observations, providing actionable feedback to support teacher growth.

· Curriculum Leadership:

o Serve as a resource for literacy-related instructional materials, tools, and planning support.

o Assist in the creation of a cohesive literacy schedule with the Director of the Lower School.

o Contribute to the development of systems and structures that improve teacher practice and student outcomes.

· Data-Driven Instruction:

o Utilize data to inform instructional decisions and support continuous improvement in literacy outcomes.

o Assist teachers and administrators in analyzing student performance data to drive targeted instruction.

· Professional Development:

o Lead professional development on a range of literacy topics using adult learning theory principles.

o Develop coaching plans for teachers to ensure student improvement in literacy.

· Administrative Collaboration:

o Attend summer training sessions as part of ongoing professional development.

o Collaborate with school leadership to align the literacy program with broader school initiatives and goals.

Qualifications

Key Qualifications:

· Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Literacy, Reading, English, or a related field required.

· Deep knowledge of English Language Arts content and instructional standards.

· Expertise in structured literacy instruction, including experience with Teachers College Reading & Writing Program Units of Study for Reading and Writing.

· Proven ability to coach and support teachers, build relationships, and foster a community of professional learning.

· Strong understanding of instructional best practices informed by learning trajectories and developmental needs.

· Ability to use data to inform instructional decisions and support continuous improvement.

· Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Master’s degree in Education, Literacy, Reading, or a related field.

· Experience as a literacy coach, instructional coach, or teacher leader.

· Familiarity with adult learning theory and principles of effective professional development for educators.

· Knowledge of strategies to support diverse learners, including differentiated instruction.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Requirements: To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following physical and mental requirements are essential to the successful performance of this job:

· Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. The role requires the ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds occasionally. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

· Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate, similar to a standard school environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

· Cognitive and Emotional Requirements: The candidate must be able to analyze, reason, and problem-solve effectively. The ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain emotional control under stress, and communicate clearly and professionally is essential.

About Maclay School: Maclay School is an independent, non-sectarian college preparatory school located on 100 beautiful acres in northern Tallahassee, Florida. Our Lower School program, which begins with a nurturing preschool for three- and four-year-old children, continues in the Jablon Lower School. Here, students are supported in a warm, family-oriented environment that emphasizes personal growth, academic rigor, and character development. With a focus on individualized learning and a commitment to excellence, Maclay School provides a safe space where students are encouraged to take risks, stretch their thinking, and achieve their fullest potential.

This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the academic success of Maclay’s youngest learners while supporting and developing the professional capacity of teachers.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: Maclay School is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.