Reading Academic Specialist

Position Overview
The Academic Specialist for Elementary Reading Language Arts (Grades K–5) is responsible for supporting high-quality literacy instruction through instructional coaching, data-driven decision-making, and targeted intervention. This role focuses on implementation of the Bluebonnet Learning Reading Language Arts curriculum, alignment to T-TESS expectations, and improved student outcomes on the STAAR assessment (as applicable to tested grade levels). The Academic Specialist works collaboratively with campus leadership and teachers to strengthen instructional practices and ensure student achievement growth across kindergarten through fifth grade.
Primary Responsibilities
Instructional Coaching & Curriculum Support
? Provide job-embedded instructional coaching aligned to the Bluebonnet Learning Reading Language Arts curriculum.
? Support teachers in planning and delivering rigorous, standards-aligned literacy lessons across Grades K–5.
? Model effective reading, writing, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies.
? Provide actionable feedback aligned to T-TESS dimensions.
? Support vertical alignment of literacy instruction from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
? Plan and facilitate effective, data-driven PLC meetings for Grades K–5 Reading Language Arts.
? Guide teachers in analyzing formative, benchmark, and STAAR-aligned assessment data (for tested grades).
? Support collaborative lesson design, common assessments, writing calibration, and instructional adjustments.
? Build teacher capacity through structured reflection, goal setting, and best practice discussions.
Tier II Intervention
? Coordinate and/or deliver Tier II literacy interventions for students requiring additional support in Grades K–5.
? Use diagnostic and progress-monitoring tools (e.g., phonics screeners, fluency measures, comprehension assessments) to identify skill gaps and measure growth.
? Collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure intervention strategies align with Tier I core instruction.
Data Analysis & Student Achievement
? Maintain a strong command of student literacy performance data to inform instructional decisions.
? Analyze benchmark and STAAR Reading Language Arts data trends, item analyses, writing rubrics, and performance breakdowns (for tested grades).
? Support teachers in setting measurable student growth goals based on data.
? Monitor progress of targeted student groups and recommend instructional adjustments.
Assessment & Accountability
? Demonstrate a strong understanding of the STAAR Reading Language Arts assessment, including blueprint, item types (including constructed response), rigor levels, and performance standards (Grades 3–5).
? Ensure instructional practices reflect grade-level TEKS expectations and assessment alignment across Grades K–5.
Required Qualifications
? Bachelor’s degree in Education, Reading, Literacy, English, or related field.
? Valid Texas teaching certification (Elementary or Reading/ELA preferred).
? Successful classroom teaching experience in elementary literacy (Grades K–5 preferred).
? Demonstrated expertise in foundational literacy skills and grade-level reading comprehension and writing instruction.
? Experience with instructional coaching or teacher leadership roles preferred.
? Completion of Texas Reading Academy.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
? Deep understanding of the Science of Teaching Reading and structured literacy practices.
? Strong knowledge of Bluebonnet Learning Reading Language Arts curriculum implementation.
? Thorough understanding of T-TESS and effective instructional practices.
? Strong understanding of the STAAR Reading Language Arts assessment structure and expectations for tested grade levels.
? Ability to analyze multiple literacy data sources to drive instructional decisions.
? Strong facilitation skills for leading PLCs and adult professional learning.
? Understanding of adult learning theory and differentiated support for educators.
? Ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively as a team player.
? Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Professional Dispositions
? Student-centered mindset with a focus on equitable literacy outcomes.
? Growth-oriented and reflective practitioner.
? Collaborative, solution-focused team member.
? Committed to continuous improvement and high expectations for all learners.
Impact of the Role
The Academic Specialist will directly impact teacher effectiveness and student achievement by strengthening Tier I literacy instruction, supporting Tier II interventions, and ensuring alignment between curriculum, instruction, assessment, and accountability measures for Grades K–5 Reading Language Arts.