ELA Content Lead

FirstLine Schools:  Network Content Lead: ELA

Creating and inspiring great open admissions public schools in New Orleans

About FirstLine Schools

In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans. FirstLine now operates four PreK-8th grade schools.  Our mission is to create and inspire great, open admissions public schools in New Orleans.

Our faculty is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students’ success and to their own growth as teachers.  Our schools are led by leaders who hold themselves accountable for student achievement and teacher development.

Position Summary:

The Network Content Lead for ELA is responsible for supporting schools and teachers in improving student achievement in literacy across grades 3-8.  Specifically, the ELA Content Lead will lead the on-going refinement of curriculum and assessments, network-wide teacher professional development and collaborative planning for literacy, and school leader professional development to support effective literacy instructional practices in their schools. The ultimate aim of this role is to ensure that students achieve fluency, proficiency in meeting the demands of the reading and writing standards, and intellectual perseverance in order to succeed in rigorous college preparatory high school programs.    

Position Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the ELA Content Lead will be, although not limited to, the following:

Curriculum Development (across third through eighth grades)

• Support the on-going refinement of shared literacy curriculum units
• Direct the implementation of ELA-focused strategic priorities within the organizational plan
• Lead the on-going refinement of FirstLine pedagogical frameworks for the teaching of literacy
• Lead an annual cycle of reviewing and revising scope and sequence for English Language Arts classes 
• Serve as a thought-partner for embedding literacy standards across the curriculum
• Support the design and implementation of proven interventions that target students whose skills are below expected levels in  reading and/or writing
• Support school leaders with quality assurance practices in literacy lesson planning

Data Tracking, Assessment & Reporting

• Track and analyze data to better improve literacy performance outcomes
• Develop and provide guidance on formative assessment practices to drive improved instruction, curriculum, and layers of learning support
• Collaborate  regularly with school leaders and the network academic team to  analyze student progress and identify exemplars and areas in need of support

Professional Development

• Support school leaders in understanding and implementing best practices of literacy curriculum and data driven instructional practices 
• Lead the network wide professional development for weekly collaborative professional development, new teacher training, and other network wide activities:  these activities include lesson study, data driven instructional practices, analyzing student work, analyzing classroom instruction video, direct workshops, and applied practice 
• Train teachers in best practices of literacy curriculum and instruction – serving as a “critical friend” and coach to the teaching staff throughout the school year by modeling practice and providing ongoing informal observations and feedback to improve.  
• Manage  peer-to-peer collaboration, observations, and feedback among literacy leaders and teachers across the FLS network, providing suggested schedules, structure and guidance required for school leaders/teachers to norm on evaluation practices and to provide each other with helpful feedback 
• Support  school leaders and teacher leaders in the delivery of professional development sessions for literacy
• Support school leaders in the development and implementation of individual professional development plans for teachers who need more support in teaching literacy
  

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred; Reading Specialist degree strongly preferred
• Five years teaching required preferably in a non-selective urban school
• Demonstrated success in improving student achievement in literacy 
• Experience with and understanding of reading curriculum and instruction
• Demonstrated passion for literature 
• Demonstrated passion for writing and strong understanding of how to effectively teach writing
• Unwavering commitment to excellence and results
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and verbal)
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desired Qualities & Characteristics:

• Believe in every student’s ability to achieve in a rigorous college or career prep curriculum
• Achieve results based on agreed-upon expectations
• Take personal responsibility 
• Highly detail-oriented 
• Collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders 
• Share a commitment to creating great schools in New Orleans
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Model the FirstLine Commitments:
  • We Keep Learning
  • We Work Together
  • We Are Helpful
  • We Are the Safekeepers of our Community
  • We Share Joy
  • We Show Results

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit, walk, stand, talk, and hear. 
•  Light lifting of equipment may be required (up to 20 lbs.)

Network ELA Content Lead reports to Director of Teaching and Learning

How to Apply: Please apply online via: http://www.firstlineschools.org/careers

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. FirstLine Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package with a generous 403b plan.

FirstLine Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.