Director of Literacy

Summary of Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Director of Literacy is to drive student achievement results in reading by developing a strong literacy program and ensuring high-quality literacy instruction across the district. As part of this, the individual will work as part of the Academic Team to manage instructional systems that align with district expectations as well as coach instructional leaders to analyze data-based student needs and current teacher practice to set development goals with a focus on literacy. Common coaching activities will include modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, observation, and conferencing with leaders. In addition, the Director of Literacy will work alongside reading coaches and leaders to oversee PK-12 reading curriculum and drive student results.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

• Design, manage, and evaluate the district’s literacy program to ensure the greatest student learning, including:

• Demonstrate exemplary classroom literacy practice and possess a deep understanding of literacy theory for the purpose of modeling best practices in literacy and improving student achievement levels.
• Analyze school, class, grade-level, and subject area data in district’s literacy program and report findings to make informed decisions relative to instructional practices and monitor student literacy development
• Execute district literacy initiatives based on student and teacher data to deliver consistent excellent literacy instruction across SFS
• Research and propose the use of literacy resources and organize the requisite development to fully implement the resource
• Oversee development and maintenance of district (PK-12) pacing guides, unit materials, and other key curricular documents in close collaboration with C3s, reading coaches, and/or other departments
• Continually monitor the effectiveness of reading coaches and the overall literacy program through the establishment of enabling systems that monitor progress and demonstrate quantitative and qualitative academic growth 
• Collect and analyze data to develop and lead instructional cycles, systems, and procedures to improve academic rigor, as well as teacher and student performance
• Oversee development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 site-based intervention including student selection, curriculum, and materials to close achievement gaps
• Create a culture of reading that engages and inspires all students to read, read, read.

• Engage sites in intensive literacy-focused support in order improve the quality of instruction, including:

• Observe instructional practices to determine best practices, identify and address curriculum design and gaps, and determine professional development goals for the reading department
• Using a data-driven pedagogy, collaborate with literacy team to devise meaningful action steps that improve student outcomes 
• Promote and monitor for fidelity to and utilization of key instructional models and strategies 
• Develop and coach facilitators to deliver district professional development for teachers and leaders to ensure full implementation of curriculum and instructional practices across content areas and levels
• Provide targeted coaching and professional development experiences to literacy team to support content knowledge development and curriculum implementation and innovation 
• Continually evaluate the effectiveness of the reading department and professional development for SFS with literacy team

Other Duties and Roles

• Accepts and learns from feedback provided by multiple stakeholders to inform future decision-making
• Collaborates with Chief Academic Officer, Executive Directors, and C3s to provide input and make recommendations for district strategic plans
• Makes decisions in alignment with the district’s decision making-rights with final instructional decision-making rights defaulting to Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer
• Assume responsibilities or any other task given by Superintendent or Chief Academic Officer

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree strongly preferred in Reading, Education Administration, or another relevant area.
• Demonstrated success as a teacher (at least 3 years)
• Demonstrated success in instructional coaching or leading a building (at least 3 years)
• Deep knowledge of literacy content and learning theory, current educational trends, blended learning practices, methods, research, and technology, and program planning and implementation
• Familiarity with NWEA MAP, OSTP, and Oklahoma Academic Standards.
• An uncompromising belief that all students will learn.
• A relentless work ethic and a high degree of patience to push through difficult challenges.
• Views failures as an opportunity to learn and keep improving.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with and drive student outcomes through instructional leaders and teams of teachers
• Ability to build and manage strong relationships with relevant stakeholders, including teachers, leaders and district staff.
• Technological proficiency and adaptability.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Dedication of Time

• 210 Days
• Part-time director will work 24 hours per week and follow the 210 day calendar.
• Full-time director will 40 hours per week and follow the 210 day calendar.
• Weekly Schedule
• 70% of time spent on site-level instructional leadership and implementation of reading curriculum
• 10% of time spent on district curriculum development
• 20% of time spent on district-level instructional leadership

Reports to Elementary and Secondary Executive Directors