Elementary Literacy Content Specialist

Elementary Literacy Content Specialist 

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.

GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

Why Work at GCCS

Students & Families:
Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers’ historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

Staff Autonomy:
GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Coaching & Development:
Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level

• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)

• Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff)

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)

• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs

• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)

• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Summary 

The Content-Focused Instructional Specialist provides discipline-specific instructional coaching designed to strengthen teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in order to increase student achievement.

This role engages teachers in deep work around essential standards, how students learn key concepts within the discipline, and the instructional strategies proven to accelerate student growth. The Specialist partners with teachers to build leadership and improve curriculum alignment, instructional delivery, assessment practices, and data-driven decision-making.

The ultimate goal of this position is to achieve measurable improvements in teacher effectiveness and student outcomes within the assigned content area.

Reports To

Building Principal, in collaboration with the Director of Curriculum & Instruction

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Curriculum Development and Alignment

• Design, revise, and support implementation of standards-aligned curriculum and instructional resources.

• Collaborate with the Director of Curriculum & Instruction to ensure vertical alignment of standards, unit plans, assessments, and instructional frameworks.

• Support teachers in developing high-quality lesson plans that include differentiation and multilingual learner supports.

• Participate in curriculum review cycles and provide data-informed recommendations for improvement.

Assessment and Data Practices

• Lead PLCs in developing and refining curriculum-based assessments aligned to Missouri Learning Standards and state assessments.

• Support teachers in analyzing formative, interim, and summative data to inform instructional adjustments.

• Assist in developing common assessments and progress monitoring tools.

Instructional Coaching and Feedback

• Conduct regular classroom observations focused on content-specific instructional practices.

• Provide timely, actionable, and growth-oriented feedback aligned to district instructional expectations.

• Partner with building leadership to identify instructional priorities and areas for improvement.

• Track teacher growth and student achievement data to measure coaching effectiveness.

Modeling and Demonstration

• Model high-impact instructional strategies within classrooms.

• Demonstrate effective implementation of district-approved curricular materials.

• Co-plan and co-teach lessons to support strategy implementation.

• Provide discipline-specific strategies to support multilingual learners in accessing rigorous content.

Data Analysis and Goal Setting

• Build teacher capacity to use multiple data sources to set measurable instructional goals.

• Support the development of content-specific action plans tied to student achievement outcomes.

Professional Learning

• Design and facilitate professional development sessions aligned to building and district priorities.

• Support teachers individually and in teams through structured coaching cycles.

• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement across the school system.

Accountability and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of coaching cycles, teacher goals, and progress monitoring.

• Provide periodic reports to the principal and Director of C&I documenting progress toward instructional goals.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of school improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or the assigned content area

• Minimum of five (5) years of successful K–12 teaching experience; urban experience preferred

• Missouri Teacher Certification in the relevant content area or grade level

• Demonstrated expertise in the assigned content area

• Experience providing content-based academic interventions

• Instructional leadership, mentoring, or coaching experience preferred

• TESOL certification preferred

• Literacy expertise strongly preferred (LETRS, Pathways to Reading, Orton-Gillingham, Aspire, Reading Specialist Certification, Literacy Degree, or equivalent training and experience)

Skills and Competencies

• Deep content knowledge and pedagogical expertise in the assigned discipline

• Strong coaching and adult learning facilitation skills

• Ability to provide direct, constructive feedback while maintaining professional relationships

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Data analysis and problem-solving skills

• Ability to write and revise curriculum and instructional materials

• Proficiency with Google Workspace, student data systems, and instructional technology platforms

• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders

• Demonstrated commitment to serving the GCCS community and multilingual learners

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Light physical activity; occasional lifting may be required

• Regular travel between school buildings

• Occasional evening or weekend professional development activities

• Combination of classroom, office, and meeting-based work

• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer

Application Process:

Please complete an application, which may be found at https://www.gck12.org/o/gc/page/work-for-gccs. If a position requires a degree, please upload a copy of your transcripts and/or degree certification to your application. Other attachments, such as a cover letter or resume, can also be uploaded and attached to the application.

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.