JOB DESCRIPTION:

DIRECTOR, CURRICULA AND COACHING EARLY LITERACY, BREAKTHROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, CURRICULA AND COACHING EARLY LITERACY

Organization: Breakthrough Public Schools

Contact for Questions: careers@breakthroughschools.org

Schools: Breakthrough Public Schools - Home Office

Salary: $70,000 - $90,000

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports to: Managing Director, Scholar Achievement

Job Description

Compensation: $70,000-$90,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Retirement Plan

BREAKTHROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Breakthrough Public Schools is a nationally recognized Charter Management Organization (CMO) network in Ohio. Our mission is to provide Cleveland area scholars with an education that empowers them to lead lives full of impact and opportunity. Our network of schools centers joy, curiosity, and individual growth, uniquely positioning Breakthrough Public Schools to cultivate a learning community where all students thrive. At Breakthrough, we are committed to providing scholars with the academic, social, and emotional skills necessary to excel at learning and citizenship from kindergarten through eighth-grade promotion. We are committed to the success of every child.

The CMO network manages core administrative responsibilities, including human resources, finance, information technology, facilities, student recruitment, and marketing for our schools. We serve 3,000 K-8 grade scholars across ten schools and employ over 450 staff members.

OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Early Literacy (Foundational Skills) is an integral part of the centralized network learning team and will serve the Breakthrough Public School’s team, including working with Principals, Instructional Coaches, and Teachers to craft and drive the vision and instructional implementation of an exemplary literacy program across grades K-4. This position offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of this instructional work at a strong charter school network. Breakthrough Public School’s priorities for the 24-25 school year include strong literacy instruction and a commitment to growing good readers in alignment with the Science of Reading. We are looking for someone with strong knowledge of the research on reading, specifically with experience and knowledge of coaching and instructing foundational reading skills.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Our ideal candidate for a Director of Early Literacy has an unwavering belief that our scholars can achieve at an exceptionally high level. Beyond that, they will:

Early Literacy Program Vision and Implementation

• Act as a thought partner with the network learning team to help synthesize the network vision for literacy instruction, aligned to research-based practices, and contribute to the development of clear programmatic recommendations.
• Work with the Literacy Department team, School Leaders, Instructional Coaches, and Teachers in maintaining quality control of core systems integral to teaching and learning, such as process-based assessment, data collection, etc.
• Help develop, update, and maintain internal literacy assessments that align with curricula and uphold research-based best practices.
• Create and revise exemplary curriculum materials that are aligned with network priorities.
• Oversee, manage, and refine key curricular materials.

Professional Development & Coaching

• Work with the Literacy Department team to develop professional development sessions that support the vision setting for the literacy program and implementation of the foundational skills curricula.
• Work with the Literacy Department team to develop professional development sessions that support growing teachers' content knowledge, including knowledge of the Science of Reading, and connecting that with classroom practices.
• Conduct school observations at varying intervals throughout the year to push content-specific instructional practices, improve implementation of curriculum, gather information on best practices, and pilot new projects.
• Develop the instructional eye of Instructional Coaches and Principals through focused co-observations and feedback.
• Support Instructional Leaders to ensure feedback and professional development sessions are aligned with Network priorities and implemented within classrooms.

Data Analysis & Compliance

• Deeply analyze Breakthrough student data in foundational skills through leading, observing, and preparing data meetings. Analyze and help support instructional school leaders with what to do in response to the student data.

MTSS Aligned & Driven

Collaborate as a fundamental stakeholder with the Leadership Team to advance the goals of network-wide MTSS through the consistent use of integrated data systems, data analysis, and data-based decision-making processes with the primary focus on successful student outcomes to ensure our scholars' continuous academic/emotional development.

Support teachers in implementing appropriate responses to intervention strategies and collaborate in the RtI and Ohio Dyslexia law protocols

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and work strategically across teams in the network. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Deeply committed to serving our kids. You have elected to work with historically underserved scholars and do this work because you believe that all scholars, regardless of background, are capable of excellence - and that it’s on us as adults to get our kids there.

Mission Driven. You understand that the challenges faced by scholars in Cleveland are unique and specific, and you’re excited to work within the communities we serve.

An instructional guru. You have at least 4 years of teaching and instructional/school leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of exceptional student outcomes based on your instruction. You nerd out over content, long-term planning, and creating instructional materials that allow students to meet ambitious goals.

A data maven. You look for and can discern trends that drive your decision-making, and you evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions based on how the data changes. Committed to MTSS and collaboration with the DSS: Special Programs.

You're a leader of leaders. You’re passionate about leading and coaching teams and individuals to achieve strong results for scholars. You love and actively seek opportunities to develop others through ongoing professional development, clear expectations and accountability, strong inspirational and motivational skills, high-leverage feedback, and targeted professional development.

Driven by results. You are passionate about achieving results for scholars and willing to think outside the box to achieve our shared vision of excellence for our scholars. You don’t give yourself a pat on the back just for checking the boxes and completing the inputs. You are only happy after you achieve and exceed your goals. You delegate when needed, set deadlines, and hold others accountable to get across important finish lines.

An A Communicator. You’ve got a knack for speaking and writing clearly, succinctly and persuasively. You think about time, place, and format to share a message that will resonate to accomplish your goals.

Deeply knowledgeable about Literacy and the Science of Reading, particularly foundational skills. Knowledge of Fundations and Heggerty, direct instruction, and best practices in comprehension

A gritty problem-solver. You keep it cool when facing challenges, approach problems with viable solutions, and know when you need to roll up your sleeves to support your team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

5 years of demonstrated success improving student outcomes in early literacy in a leadership capacity at an elementary public or charter school, preferably as an Instructional Leader or Principal

M.A., Ed.M or Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and/or Educational Administration, preferred

Experience in and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion work

Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills

Strong knowledge of the standards for literacy

A deep connection and understanding of the Breakthrough Public Schools and the Cleveland community is strongly preferred

Proficient in the knowledge and use of technical computer applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google Suite.

Breakthrough Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Any person who knowingly makes a false statement is guilty of falsification under section 2921.13 of the Revised Code, a first-degree misdemeanor.