What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructional Coach, Literacy 6-12 position at Purpose Built Schools Atlanta?
6-12 Literacy Coach
Purpose Built Schools Atlanta seeks a passionate and strategic Literacy Instructional Coach for grades 6-12 to advance literacy achievement across secondary classrooms. This person will report to the Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction and provide targeted support to teachers, facilitate professional development, model effective teaching strategies, and use data to drive instructional decisions.
Who we are
Purpose Built Schools, in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools (APS), operates three neighborhood schools in South Atlanta: Slater Elementary School (PreK-5), Price Middle School (6-8) and Carver STEAM Academy (9-12). As a network of partner schools, we have the flexibility and autonomy similar to charter schools, but remain true neighborhood schools that serve every student in our attendance zone.
What makes us different
Purpose Built Schools works to deliver outstanding results for students and the surrounding communities through high-quality instruction, intentional enrichment opportunities, and a full suite of supports designed to serve our families’ needs both inside and outside the school walls.
Amazing Academics
All three schools offer project-based learning, a STEAM curriculum, small group instruction, offers AP classes at Carver STEAM Academy and targeted interventions. Our robust college and career readiness program provides dedicated counselors to assist students with post-secondary planning.
Engaging Enrichments
With enrichments like band, dance, aviation, sports, art and robotics, our schools are places where scholars can explore a variety of subjects to discover their full potential and learn what they truly love to do.
Supportive Culture
We partner with community organizations to support students and families with holistic wraparound services including mental health counseling, social-emotional learning support, legal services, and access to fresh food.
Neighborhood Schools
PBSA schools are neighborhood schools, not charter schools. Every student who lives in our attendance zone can enroll in our pipeline of PreK-12th grade schools.
Role & Responsibilities
The 6-12 Literacy coach sits on the instructional team at Price Middle School and Carver STEAM High School, reporting to the Senior Director of Curriculum & Instruction. This person will drive student results by:
Coaching & Professional Development (50%)
- Conduct classroom observations and provide personalized, constructive, and actionable feedback using Georgia Teacher Keys Effectiveness System (TKES) to support grades 6-12 literacy instruction.
- Model best literacy practices for grades 6-12, including differentiated instruction, writing across content areas, and the integration of digital literacy technology.
- Plan and facilitate professional development sessions focused on adolescent literacy content knowledge, pedagogy, and instructional strategies.
- Identify and recommend secondary literacy resources and tools to support content-area reading and writing instruction and classroom practices.
- Assist teachers in designing and implementing rigorous, engaging lesson plans focused on comprehension, academic vocabulary, and disciplinary literacy, aligned with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
- Foster a positive culture of collaboration and continuous improvement by promoting respect, inclusion, and academic excellence.
Curriculum & Instructional Intervention (30%)
- Monitor and assess the effectiveness of instructional literacy interventions and adjust strategies as needed.
- Ensure alignment of instructional practices with district and Georgia Standards of Excellence for ELA 6-12.
- Provide specialized coaching to teachers on implementing interventions for students struggling with early literacy skills, fluency, and vocabulary development.
- Assist in the development and refinement of grades 6-12 literacy curriculum focusing on academic reading, writing, and critical thinking skills and instructional materials for secondary grades.
- Stay up-to-date with Georgia’s Secondary Literacy policies and practices to train instructional staff.
- Coach teachers in using evidence-based strategies to teach comprehension, vocabulary development, fluency, and academic writing.
- Collaborate with special education and intervention teams to support struggling readers and students with IEPs, 504 plans, or Tier 2/3 RTI interventions.
- Promote a culture of reading and writing through initiatives like school-wide literacy challenges, author visits, and writing competitions.
Data & Analysis (20%)
- Collaborate with 6-12 teachers to develop and implement data-driven action plans focusing on content literacy improvement.
- Analyze student performance data including reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and content-area literacy skills to identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement.
- Analyze literacy data from standardized assessments (MAP, GA Milestones, Lexile scores, EOC exams) and classroom-based assessments to identify instructional gaps
- Communicate regularly with secondary teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders regarding instructional goals, progress, and needs.
Qualifications
Core Competencies
- Commitment and Values: Passionate about Purpose Built Schools Atlanta’s specific mission. Committed to advancing equity and educational excellence. Flexibility and resilience in responding to challenges, with a growth mindset and focus on continuous improvement.
- Leadership and Vision: Ability to set, implement and invest others in a long term vision of success, specifically in an academic setting. Strong, demonstrated commitment to fostering equity and anti-racist practices in education, with experience leading initiatives that promote culturally relevant pedagogy.
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders. Relational leadership style that prioritizes collaboration, transparency, and trust-building. Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration across teams and communities.
Education and Certifications
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Required: Bachelor’s Degree in English, Education, or related field.
- Preferred: Master’s Degree in Reading, Curriculum & Instruction, or Educational Leadership
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Active Georgia 6-12 Teaching license (T4 or higher secondary education), either in GA or able to be transferred to GA within year one of the role.
- Preferred: Teacher Leader Endorsement Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) .
- Preferred: Leadership Certificate (L5-L7)
Experience and Expertise
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Required:
- Minimum of 3 years of urban education experience in grades 6-12 with an established track record of student literacy achievement.
- Strong analytical skills with experience using literacy assessment data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement, particularly in developing reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary in 6-12th grade students.
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Preferred:
- Knowledge and experience with Georgia’s ELA curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment frameworks.
- Experience designing and leading literacy professional learning programs for secondary teachers.
Compensation and Benefits
Purpose Built Schools offers comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary that credits an additional step relative to verified years of experience under Atlanta Public Schools policy. The salary range for this position is $73,019- $148,305. Please click on this link to find where you are on the scale.
Exceptional Benefits & Perks
- Health, dental, and vision insurance - Three competitive plans to get the coverage that works best for your family.
- Legal Support & Financial Counseling – Get expert advice for peace of mind and support with our 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Wellness Programs – From mental health resources to fitness incentives, we invest in your well-being.
- Paid a Step Ahead – We offer salaries ahead of APS and rank among the highest-paying school networks in Atlanta.
A Culture That Puts You First
We believe happy educators create the best learning environments. That’s why we prioritize staff well-being with:
- Enhanced Teacher Lounges – Designed for relaxation and recharging.
- Wellness Events & Offerings – Mindfulness sessions, health perks, and more.
- Monthly Staff Socials – Enjoy food, drinks, and great company at Atlanta’s trendy locations on us.
- And Yes… FREE FOOD! All staff enjoy complimentary lunch every school day.
Purpose Built Schools Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Purpose Built Schools Atlanta assures Equal Employment Opportunities and equal education opportunities for employees and students as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, management and administration reserve the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.
Salary : $73,019 - $148,305
