Literacy Experiences Specialist, K-5

General Description:

The Literacy Experiences Specialist is responsible for designing and piloting family- and community-based literacy experiences that enhance language and literacy development for K-5 students outside of the classroom, using research-based practices that are coherent with students’ experiences inside of the classroom. This role builds and sustains partnerships with community organizations to implement high-quality, out-of-school student literacy experiences that strengthen school–community connections and accelerate student learning. The role will also support families in incorporating simple, high-impact literacy practices outside of school hours and provide guidance, coaching, and coordination for literacy-focused volunteers working within school buildings. The position requires strong verbal and written communication skills for clearly expressing and exchanging ideas, active listening to accurately receive information, and visual acuity for preparing and analyzing written or digital data. The work involves frequent standing, sitting, and walking, as well as occasional light lifting of up to 10 pounds.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts a landscape analysis of local out-of-school time programs to identify opportunities that support the district’s K-5 literacy goals.
• Determines and cultivates relationships with community-based partners aligned to the district’s K–5 literacy priorities.
• Designs and pilots community-based learning experiences that enhance knowledge building, vocabulary development, and language acquisition aligned to K-5 literacy curricula.
• Collaborates with the K-5 literacy team to set goals and develop a strategy for family engagement in literacy, including simple, high-impact ways families can support literacy outside of school hours.
• Co-creates literacy experiences with community partners to strengthen family participation and extend learning beyond the classroom.
• Develops and shares easy-to-implement family routines and strategies that extend daily literacy learning beyond the classroom.
• Designs and facilitates literacy-focused presentations for families, school volunteers, and community partners.
• Models effective literacy routines and provides coaching to volunteers who support supplemental literacy experiences within schools.
• Prepares training presentations, materials, and handouts, and coordinates necessary support from school staff to ensure successful implementation.
• Develops content to support implementation and continuous improvement of the district’s elementary literacy program.
• Performs other related tasks as required.

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, elementary education, or a related field is required; Masters degree preferred.
• Postgraduate Professional License with a reading specialist or curriculum and instruction endorsement with a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience preferred.
• Endorsement in English as a Second Language and/or bilingual preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication, public relations, and organizational skills are required.
• Knowledgeable in data analysis, using data to inform instruction and monitor student progress.
• Must have an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and processes for teaching reading at the elementary level and have experience with technology integration strategies.
• Must be able to work in a cooperative manner with teachers, administrators, parents, and community representatives.
• Must have extensive knowledge of child growth and development and instructional best practices for teaching reading.
• Must have a successful track record of providing professional development and technical assistance to teachers.
• Must have applied knowledge of successful teaching techniques, technology, instructional materials, and current research in teaching reading.
• Must be versed in the strategies and skills related to the Virginia Standards of Learning and how curriculum may be organized to teach these standards to diverse learners.

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an online application. Please access website at: www.rvaschools.net

Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume, transcript, and license if applicable.  Three references names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process.  Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting, and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment. EOE.

Salary : $68,339 - $105,098