Literacy Coach

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides direct academic service to students as assigned by the principal. Provides classroom support and assists classroom teachers to implement literacy instruction that is aligned with established Connecticut Core Standards and district standards, frameworks and assessments. Conducts walk-throughs with the principal and others to assess needs and provide support Demonstrates exemplary classroom literacy practices that are aligned to Connecticut Core Standards and possesses a deep understanding of literacy theory for the purpose of modelling best practices in literacy and improving student achievement levels. Provides informal timely feedback to instructional staff around teaching and learning of reading and writing, including group and individual debriefing sessions. Assists all teachers in connecting their instructional work to a literacy emphasis. Collaborates with school staff, including Peer Observers, to assess the effectiveness of the school’s efforts to improve reading and writing proficiency. Provides assistance to the school’s instructional leadership team in developing a school improvement plan and an attendant professional development plan. Plans, leads and participates in on-going, job-embedded blended professional development within the school, as part of a peer coaching process (e.g. staff meetings; study groups, demonstration lessons with pre- and post-discussion analysis; workshops; trainings; and seminars).  Participates with other teachers in the ongoing development of the district’s literacy curriculum. Meets with teacher teams to analyze and interpret data, utilizing this analysis to coordinate the full and effective implementation of a research-based literacy curriculum. Meets with teachers to examine and assess student work to identify grade-level exemplars aligned with Connecticut Core Standards and district standards. Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. lesson plans, scope and sequence guides, classroom materials, reports, etc.) for the purpose of demonstrating best practices in literacy instruction, documenting activities and providing written reference. Attends professional development and specific training to deepen understanding and enhance skills, including professional development sessions organized by the district Director of Literacy. Implements district policies, directives and strategies at the school level. REQUIREMENTS: Connecticut teaching certification Reading certification preferred (102 and/or 097). A minimum of three years of highly successful classroom teaching experience in reading and writing required, as demonstrated by student work/products that reflect standard-setting performances. Demonstrated mastery of literacy practices, strategies, standards and student portfolio assessments. Knowledge of “teacher as coach” strategies (e.g., demonstration lessons, co-teaching lessons, communication skills) and coordination of visitation among colleagues. Demonstrated knowledge in establishing an effective, literacy-rich classroom environment, as well as organizing and managing the learning environment, such as leveling of books for read alouds, guided reading, shared reading and independent reading, student grouping, classroom visitations and content-area reading. Knowledge of services to limited English-proficient (LEP) students and students with disabilities. Strong oral and written communication skills. Excellent record of attendance and punctuality. Demonstrated ability to establish a cooperative working relationship with staff, principals, teachers and central office personnel. Salary will be in accordance with the BEA contract.

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