SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

The Foundational Literacy Coach is responsible for improving language and literacy instruction in the school or center. Responsibilities will include leadership and support of the center(s) Language and Literacy activities in support meeting goals. In addition, this position will have direct classroom duties to support the Pre-K Department that will require some administrative responsibilities outside of the language and literacy program.

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the primary job elements.

1. Provide resources and training to school or center staff on scientifically based early language and literacy research and evidence-based practices
2. Coach (e.g., model/demonstrate, co-teach, observe and provide feedback) classroom lead and assistant teachers on the implementation with the fidelity of core, supplemental, and intensive intervention approaches for birth to five early language and literacy development and the use of data from valid and reliable assessments as the basis for instructional decision making
3. Provide support for the implementation of the core curricular program and approaches selected by program directors, working with the Early Childhood teachers and assistants as necessary
4. Establish and oversee a peer mentoring support network for teachers as they implement recommended instructional practices; including opportunities for teachers to visit one another’s classrooms to observe the implementation of specified practices
5. Re-deliver literacy content or advanced seminar content to birth to five teachers and assistant teachers in schools/centers; lead study groups to discuss research, enhance commercial programs with research-based content, share experiences on implementing recommended practices, and examine student work
6. Act as a catalyst for building a school/center learning community that focuses on integrated learning, building connections across classrooms and facilities
7. Lead and coordinate the school/center assessment team: Help administer the literacy assessments for screening, progress monitoring, diagnostic, and outcomes
8. Ensure teachers and other relevant staff provide responsive care, effective teaching, and an organized learning environment with developmentally appropriate schedules, lesson plans, and indoor and outdoor learning experiences that provide adequate opportunities for choice, play, exploration, and experimentation among a variety of learning, sensory, and motor experiences that promotes healthy development and children’s skill growth aligned with HS performance standards, including for children with disabilities
9. Work with the advisors and Education Director, to coach teachers on the administration and interpretation of assessment data, to determine adequate progress or those in need of supplemental or intensive intervention as well as grouping for small group instruction
10. Ensure the program provides age-appropriate equipment, materials, supplies, and physical space for indoor and outdoor learning environments, including necessary accommodations for children with disabilities
11. Become familiar with the administration and interpretation of in-depth diagnostic measures or additional assessments commonly used in early education
12. Conduct job with professionalism and comply with all Shelby County Schools Board of Education Personnel Policies and Procedures and Head Start Performance Standards, State Licensing Standards, and Voluntary Pre-K Scope of Services.
13. Use available guidance for reviewing core, supplemental, and intensive intervention materials under consideration for purchase for evidence of alignment with the literacy initiative
14. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction or a closely related field plus a minimum of three (3) years of classroom experience related to the area of assignment and requires an endorsement in the content area directly related to area of assignment with a total of nine (9) years.  

(PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED)

Degree Equivalency Formula:

Bachelor’s Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience.

Master’s Degree=6 years plus required years of experience.