Literacy Specialist / Coach

Summary/Objective The Literacy Specialist/Coach role is designed to significantly impact literacy outcomes across Uplift by providing expert coaching and support to general education teachers in evidence-based literacy practices. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in the science of reading, a compassionate approach to student support, and strong collaborative skills to work effectively with both general and special education teams. The Literacy Specialist is responsible for guiding, leading, and assessing student growth in literacy/reading skills and coaching all K-6 teachers to support literacy education across content areas. This position is also responsible for creating and improving literacy courses across the K-6 grade bands. The Literacy Specialist/Coach will also be responsible for helping to lead our Standards-Based learning transition and ongoing implementation. Essential Functions Key Responsibilities: Literacy Specialist/Coach Instructional Coaching & Professional Development: Provide individualized and group coaching to general education teachers on the implementation of Uplift's core literacy curriculum and evidence-based instructional strategies (e.g., phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension). Coaching to be provided to K-6 Reading teachers (including IS and SpEd), individually, 1x per month and in a group setting, 3x per year. Design and deliver professional development sessions and workshops for general education staff on best practices in literacy instruction, differentiation, and assessment, at least 2x per year. Design and deliver professional development sessions and workshops for all staff on Dyslexia identification, screening, and accommodations, in accordance with Michigan’s Dyslexia law . Frequency dictated by Public Act 146 and 147. Begin preparation and planning for 27/28SY based on legislative mandate for PA146 and 147 for K-12 (not just K-6). Model effective literacy lessons and intervention techniques in classrooms. Support teachers in analyzing classroom literacy data to inform instruction and identify student needs. Lead and monitor DIBELS assessments for K-6 staff and students. Including but not limited to: rostering students, providing professional development and ongoing support, and ensuring reports are uploaded to SIS. Staff Development Engages in observation for numerous purposes: Observe and document specific literacy behaviors of students whose progress is of concern to the teacher. Observe how literacy instructional practices are being implemented across the school to inform future professional development efforts at the school, grade, or individual teacher level. Engages in co-planning with teachers in order to: Help build collaborative relationships as both coach and teacher are seen as important contributors to the co-planning process. Ensure that instructional planning includes delineating learner outcomes, selecting appropriate practices, determining grouping options, and developing outcome-based assessments. Assist teachers with instructional strategies to improve MSTEP and College Board reading comprehension. Ensure task completion for IRIP requirements and track IRIP data. Parent Education and Support Designing and conducting 1x monthly workshops or resources for parents about ways to help their children with literacy skills at home. Curriculum & Program Support: Collaborate with the Curriculum and Instruction teams to ensure effective implementation and fidelity of the K-6 literacy curriculum. Develop and/or adjust literacy and reading curriculum within Accelerate, as needed to ensure proper literacy support for students. Minimum of 2 grade-levels of year-long curriculum per academic year Assist in the selection, evaluation, and implementation of literacy resources and instructional materials for general education. Promote a school-wide culture of literacy and continuous improvement. Assist in reading curriculum revision and development. Be an active leader of the Standards-Based Learning transition and long-term support. Read and review past book studies, SBL transition details, SBL timeline, and support staff teaching SBL courses Monitor Standards-Based Learning courses for fidelity, rigor, and correct standards alignment. Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring (General Education): Support general education teachers in administering universal screeners and diagnostic assessments for literacy. Assist in interpreting literacy assessment data to identify students at risk and inform instructional adjustments. Monitor the progress of students receiving Tier 1 and Tier 2 literacy interventions within the general education setting. Ensure progress monitoring fidelity Maintain school records regarding Read by Grade Three legislation and requirements, including all IRIP needs. General Expectations You are directly accountable to the Principal or Superintendent. As a member of the Summit team, you are also expected to communicate and coordinate with the school office personnel and collaborate with your fellow teachers. As a Summit employee, you will be expected to: Conduct yourself in a professional manner – demonstrating competence in your area of responsibilities and extending respect and courtesy to coworkers. This position is one that demands an exceptional attendance routine, including consistently arriving early to set the tone for the day along with staying after to plan or support students. Adhere to all Summit/Uplift Michigan Online School employee policies as well as expectations as outlined in the handbooks. We will supply a hard copy to you upon request. Conduct yourself in accordance with the mission, vision, and goals of Uplift Michigan Online School, as well as the core values of Summit Management. This will foster mutually beneficial relationships and promote a spirit of excellence in our endeavors. Evaluation All employees are evaluated based on the performance of their primary responsibilities and their adherence to the general expectations outlined in the job descriptions. It is also expected that each employee will do their part to maintain a spirit of team unity and cooperation. Each employee can expect to be observed and provided with immediate feedback frequently throughout the school year, with a year-end evaluation. Supervisory Responsibilities There are no supervisory responsibilities in this position. Competencies Behavior Management Growth Mindset Google Suite tools (sheets, hangouts, slides, etc.) Process Improvement Analysis of information Strong verbal communication skills Strong attention to detail Thoroughness Ability to multi-task Punctual Reliability Strong teamwork skills and interest Work Environment This job operates in a virtual home office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Summit Management Consulting, LLC 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, Summit Management Consulting, LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. 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. Summit Management Consulting, LLC expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Summit Management Consulting, LLC’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. Schedule This role requires work between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday and additional hours as needed. This is a full time, salary position that requires 40 hours plus, if necessary to complete required tasks. This is a remote position, but the hours are not flexible. Required Education and Experience In-depth knowledge of both reading and writing processes and acquisition. In-depth knowledge in how to recognize the varied purposes for assessment (e.g., screening, Diagnostic, monitoring progress, achievement), select specific assessments that meet those purposes, administer, and score assessments, and use assessment results to inform instruction. In-depth knowledge of and appropriate use research research-informed instructional practices (Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy K-3) to help all students develop literacy knowledge, skills, and abilities. In-depth knowledge of adult learning principles. Able to create a literate learning environment that shows an understanding of how the physical arrangement, materials, group work, routines, and motivational factors such as choice and purpose contribute to learning in today’s diverse classrooms. Successful classroom teaching experience at the Pre-K to 3 level as evidenced by positive student learning. Master’s degree in literacy or reading and continually engage in professional development in evidence-based literacy instructional strategies. REQUIRED: Reading Specialist (BR) endorsement from the Michigan Department of Education. Eligible candidates with a BT endorsement will be considered but BR is preferred. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.