Science of Reading Coach

Job Details Atlanta, GA Temporary Bachelor's Degree $ $ Salary/year Regional Support and Leadership Description Organizational Overview

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars.

Job Description

KIPP Atlanta Schools seeks an experienced Science of Reading Coach (SoR) who will be responsible for supporting the transformation of literacy practices with schools to improve literacy infrastructure at the regional and individual school level. The Science of Reading Coach is responsible for working closely with the Achievement Director of Primary Literacy, school leaders, literacy coaches, teachers, and other instructional staff to operationalize and execute KIPP Atlanta's vision for early literacy.  Based on KIPP Atlanta's early literacy model, the SoR Coach will lead the implementation of evidence-based practices into classroom instruction and assessment. This will include coaching, teacher training, modeling, and consultation. In partnership with the Achievement Director of Primary Literacy and school staff, the SOR coach will create learning opportunities that will significantly enhance teachers' knowledge and capacity and positively impact children's literacy outcomes. 

Job Responsibilities:

Content Support

• Serve as facilitator (i.e., trainer, coach/mentor, and consultant) for the faculty and staff at assigned sites
• Collaborate clear goals for professional development of teachers in assigned sites consistent with scientifically based early literacy/language research
• Assist the leadership for literacy at the site level in formulating their professional development goals to ensure that language and literacy instruction is research-based and effective
• Deliver content knowledge about language and literacy through workshops, book studies, demonstration lessons, etc.
• Serve as an expert teacher of early literacy/language development to model effective strategies for classroom teachers in K through fourth grade
• Coach and support literacy coaches and teachers at assigned sites to implement explicit and systematic instruction based on the Science of Reading
• Collaborate on the development of training modules and accompanying materials (e.g., curriculum, video, etc.) 
• Collaborate on timelines and priorities for teacher training and consultation for assigned sites in collaboration with the team
• Continue to study new information as it becomes available to remain informed of the most current scientifically-based literacy research 
• Participate in the evaluation of KIPP Atlanta programs as needed
•  Participate in research and program evaluation design meetings as needed

Assessment

• Assist in data collection for progress monitoring and needs assessments
• Deliver training sessions on interpreting student and teacher data to inform instruction, particularly progress monitoring data

Additional Information
Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation for this role is between $85,000 - $95,000.  The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications. 

KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 19 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays and regular school breaks including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long-term disability
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan

Location & Work Conditions:

This position requires candidates to be based in Atlanta and regularly be in schools and able to attend in-person meetings and events.  Additional in-person time may be necessary based upon organizational needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• Ability to push or pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• May require stooping or crouching

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Reading, Special Education, Speech-Language Pathology, or a related field (required)
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience
• Trained in at least one structured literacy program (e.g., OG, LETRS, Wilson)
• Experience in K-4th educational programs and/or programs for language and literacy preferred
• School-based teacher training and coaching experience required
• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent public speaking skills
• Action-oriented, collaborative, flexible, and innovative approach to coaching and mentoring
• High aspirations for all children to be successful and empowered
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to understand the comprehensive language and literacy issues of young children in a variety of settings
• Committed to equity through literacy
• And keen interest to work in a variety of settings with teachers and leaders 
• Proficient in MS Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint

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