26-27 Literacy Specialist - Stella Elementary Charter Academy

Bright Star Schools 

Literacy Specialist Job Description 

  

Job Description: Literacy Specialist 

Reporting to: School Principal or another administrator as designated by the Principal 

Status: Full-time, Exempt, 11-month  

 

Who we are: 

Bright Star Schools is a free, publicly funded and open enrollment non-profit organization with nine public charters in urban Los Angeles. Across all of our Bright Star sites, over 90% of our students are eligible for free and reduced lunch.  

 

Our mission is to provide holistic, inclusive support for all students to achieve academic excellence and grow their unique talents so that they find joy in higher education, career, and life. Bright Star students will become leaders who act with integrity and champion equity to enrich our communities and the world. The framework to our success is our core operating principles, which are Integridad, Ubuntu, Kohyang (고향), and Growth.  

 

Our educators join a family that is passionate and committed to developing all students to become well-rounded citizens. We offer small class sizes, comprehensive coordinator support, and numerous collaboration opportunities across the organization and within school sites. We strongly believe in listening to all stakeholders’ voices, and we work to increase teaching practice and effectiveness through our data-driven and feedback-derived professional development.

______________________________________________________________________________ 

Bright Star Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status.  

 

Role Summary: 

The Literacy Specialist works closely with teachers, administrators, and the Inclusive Education department to design and execute comprehensive literacy plans aimed at increasing student achievement across general education, special education, and intervention groups. This role supports both educators and students by coaching teachers on evidence-based literacy strategies and designing culturally responsive, high-quality literacy instruction. The Literacy Specialist will manage and streamline schoolwide literacy and intervention programs, analyze data to support struggling students, and offer in-person or video conferencing support during school hours, after school, on Saturdays, and during vacation periods. Additionally, the Literacy Specialist leads professional development for teachers, school leaders, and parents, and collaborates with Department and Grade Level Leads to ensure effective literacy and English Language Development (ELD) practices. The position also focuses on improving reading intervention for students who need additional support and works to implement the curriculum framework for English Language Arts and ELD in California 

 

Basic Components of the Job Description for the Literacy Specialist position include (but are not limited to): 

• Designing and implementing evidence-based literacy initiatives 

• Manage a coaching load of 2-5 teachers 

• Analyze literacy and ELD data regularly 

• Support school with a culture of reading (e.g., literacy workshops, assemblies) 

• Join RKES SLT Learning Walks to gather trends and ideas. 

• Manage, coach, and evaluate the implementation of the RKES literacy and ELD curricula (e.g., Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, Benchmark Advance, Launch to Literacy, and EL Education) 

• Provide professional development for educators and school leaders in literacy instruction, the use of data to identify and support struggling pupils, the implementation of the curriculum framework for English Language Arts and English Language Development for California 

• Coordinate services for multi-language learners, including designated and integrated ELD instruction and the execution of initial and summative ELPAC assessments 

• Support the teachers with response to data and development of small groups, strategic standards being spiraled through stations and small groups 

• Collaborate with the local Los Angeles Public Library branch to arrange library visits for all RKES students 

• Collaborate with the Community Schools Manager, Principal, and Family Engagement Coordinator to establish an evidence-based family literacy initiative 

• Continue one’s own professional development in regards to the Science of Reading and research-based literacy pedagogy 

• Supervise student lunch and/or recess periods as assigned 

• Other duties as assigned 

 

Specialist Traits: 

• Deep belief that every child deserves an excellent, college-preparatory education and strong commitment to the Science of Reading and data-driven instruction 

• Demonstrated ability to teach and support the whole child in inclusive settings using effective modifications, accommodations, and interventions 

• Strong instructional leadership skills, including analyzing data, improving student achievement, and leading impactful PD for staff and families 

• Growth mindset: reflective, receptive to feedback, resilient, and committed to continuous learning and improvement 

• Collaborative, humble team player who upholds schoolwide systems and maintains a firm, kind approach to behavior and culture 

• Proactive, solutions-oriented educator who is organized, technologically competent, flexible, and willing to do what it takes to ensure student success 

What You’ll Bring: 

Minimum: 

• Valid CA Clear Multiple Subject Credential 

• Minimum 3 years teaching experience in the classroom 

• Successful data-backed experience teaching grades transitional kindergarten through Fifth Grade; experience with various grade levels 

• Experience with and belief in the Science of Reading 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Experience in differentiated and intervention supports 

• History of producing dramatic, measurable student achievement gains 

• Valid CA Clear Multiple Subject Credential 

• Minimum 3 years teaching experience in the classroom 

• Successful data-backed experience teaching grades transitional kindergarten through Fifth Grade; experience with various grade levels 

• Experience with and belief in the Science of Reading 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Experience in differentiated and intervention supports 

• History of producing dramatic, measurable student achievement gains 

 

Desired (but not required) in order of importance: 

• Experience serving students of color and students that qualify for free and reduced lunch (preferred) 

• Successful experience teaching groups of students for intervention (desired) 

• Management/Leadership experience (desired) 

• Spanish Fluency (preferred) 

• Successful experience teaching groups of students for intervention (desired) 

 

Cognitive & Behavioral Competencies 

• Must be able to analyze written, spoken, visual, and other sensory stimuli 

• Must have ability to understand and analyze written and spoken English 

• Must be able to cope effectively with stressful situations and time constraints 

• Must be able to make sound judgments based on available information 

• Must be able to engage in frequent student/parent/coworker contact 

• Must be able to remain calm in emergency situations 

• Must be able to perform effectively under pressure and tight deadlines 

• Must be able to maintain accuracy in tasks requiring meticulous attention to detail 

• Must have flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work demands 

• Must be able to logically solve problems 

• Must be able to provide and follow detailed written and verbal instructions 

• Must be able to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and students 

• Must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills 

• Must demonstrate strong classroom management skills 

• Must have a passion for teaching and student success 

• Must demonstrate strong organizational Skills 

 

Working Conditions/Work Environment 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is generally expected to work indoors in typical school and office environments.  This position involves: 

• Occasional exposure to extreme or varying temperatures. 

• Occasional exposure to outdoor elements such as sun, precipitation and wind or wet/humid surroundings. 

• Occasional/ exposure to loud noise, fumes, smoke, dust. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Prolonged sitting/standing. 

• Frequent walking 

• Must be able to occasionally/frequently lift, carry push, and/or pull objects of not more than 20 pounds. 

• Must be able to frequently bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, climb, crawl, and/or squat 

• Frequent reaching and twisting, including reaching above shoulder height 

• Manual dexterity, and finger/wrist and hand repetitions are needed; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing and typing; frequent grasping, holding and reaching. 

• Frequent computer use, including use of keyboard and mouse. 

• Speaking and hearing are essential to the communication needs of the position; constant hearing and speaking in person and on the phone, via remote video teleconferencing platforms. 

• Must be able to be physically present at the worksite and occasionally travel for meetings or conferences. 

 

 

What We Offer: 

• Salary: BSS salary is based on experience. You can find our current salary scale.  

• Location: Los Angeles, CA  

• Benefits: Health, dental, vision, CalSTRS retirement matching, life insurance, short-term disability, optional 403b plan, sick and vacation paid time off, and holidays.  

 

Please note: 

Effective, January 1, 2025: Under Education Code section 44939.5, you must provide a complete list of all prior employment with any school district, county office of education, charter school, or state special school, including part-time and substitute roles. You can provide your complete prior employment history within the work experience section of the application.  Failure to disclose this information may be considered dishonesty in the hiring process or during employment. 

Qualifications:

What You’ll Bring: 

Minimum: 

• Valid CA Clear Multiple Subject Credential 

• Minimum 3 years teaching experience in the classroom 

• Successful data-backed experience teaching grades transitional kindergarten through Fifth Grade; experience with various grade levels 

• Experience with and belief in the Science of Reading 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Experience in differentiated and intervention supports 

• History of producing dramatic, measurable student achievement gains 

• Valid CA Clear Multiple Subject Credential 

• Minimum 3 years teaching experience in the classroom 

• Successful data-backed experience teaching grades transitional kindergarten through Fifth Grade; experience with various grade levels 

• Experience with and belief in the Science of Reading 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Experience in differentiated and intervention supports 

• History of producing dramatic, measurable student achievement gains 

 

Desired (but not required) in order of importance: 

• Experience serving students of color and students that qualify for free and reduced lunch (preferred) 

• Successful experience teaching groups of students for intervention (desired) 

• Management/Leadership experience (desired) 

• Spanish Fluency (preferred) 

• Successful experience teaching groups of students for intervention (desired) 

 

Cognitive & Behavioral Competencies 

• Must be able to analyze written, spoken, visual, and other sensory stimuli 

• Must have ability to understand and analyze written and spoken English 

• Must be able to cope effectively with stressful situations and time constraints 

• Must be able to make sound judgments based on available information 

• Must be able to engage in frequent student/parent/coworker contact 

• Must be able to remain calm in emergency situations 

• Must be able to perform effectively under pressure and tight deadlines 

• Must be able to maintain accuracy in tasks requiring meticulous attention to detail 

• Must have flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work demands 

• Must be able to logically solve problems 

• Must be able to provide and follow detailed written and verbal instructions 

• Must be able to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and students 

• Must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills 

• Must demonstrate strong classroom management skills 

• Must have a passion for teaching and student success 

• Must demonstrate strong organizational Skills 

 

Working Conditions/Work Environment 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is generally expected to work indoors in typical school and office environments.  This position involves: 

• Occasional exposure to extreme or varying temperatures. 

• Occasional exposure to outdoor elements such as sun, precipitation and wind or wet/humid surroundings. 

• Occasional/ exposure to loud noise, fumes, smoke, dust. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Prolonged sitting/standing. 

• Frequent walking 

• Must be able to occasionally/frequently lift, carry push, and/or pull objects of not more than 20 pounds. 

• Must be able to frequently bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, climb, crawl, and/or squat 

• Frequent reaching and twisting, including reaching above shoulder height 

• Manual dexterity, and finger/wrist and hand repetitions are needed; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing and typing; frequent grasping, holding and reaching. 

• Frequent computer use, including use of keyboard and mouse. 

• Speaking and hearing are essential to the communication needs of the position; constant hearing and speaking in person and on the phone, via remote video teleconferencing platforms. 

• Must be able to be physically present at the worksite and occasionally travel for meetings or conferences. 

Salary : $83,759 - $167,955